Words by Suzy Romer
Josie Long has been pretty busy with a baby for the last 13 months but this Fringe she is back in comedy and has a great show at the ready. She has that marvellous standing in comedy now which creates a warm atmosphere even before she comes on stage because everyone is anticipating her arrival and knows she will be brilliant. We’ve missed her!
She greets us with a delightful song (which she claims is not a skill but it really is) before sharing some ideas about baby-related sleep deprivation which make us roar with laughter and fix any lingering bother in those of us who remember that phase with discomfort. Josie has an amazing conversational style where you almost forget you aren’t taking part in the monologue. She treats big and small subjects with the analysis and humour they deserve and boldly faces fears about politics and climate change with admirable power and perception.
Josie doesn’t simplify topics for the sake of a quick joke because her comedy comes from a deeper, more complex outlook. Life isn’t always easy and neither is her material but her dynamic ability to find the best bits and revel in them with us is a welcome pick-me-up to us all.
Buy any remaining tickets for Josie Long: Tender here
8.20pm | The Stand | Until 25 Aug
Punchline 