Words by Suzy Romer
Sophie Duker is one of the hits of the Fringe this year with her star-bright, energetic, idea-packed new show. The moment she comes on stage, her alert, observant manner and scintillating delivery captures the full attention of the audience and creates a fascinating atmosphere of attentive connection which she maintains all the way through our wonderful hour with her.
She tells us that she is tired of being expected to represent everyone who is not white, male or heterosexual and takes us through some of the stereotypes about women of colour that she discovered and tried to avoid as she was growing up. Most of the audience are on unfamiliar ground here but she takes us with her on a finely mapped journey which delves into history, popular culture and her own life with an abundance of varied jokes and surprises that keep on coming with vital energy and consummate skill.
Her material displays an impressive balance of precise writing and playful delivery and I get the impression that she would be perfectly capable of developing each strand of her show into a fully developed hour of solid funny material if she decided to do so. I very much look forward to future developments but meantime, this show was fully satisfying with takeaway laughs and ideas to go over at home. Excellent.
Buy any remaining tickets to see Sophie Duker: Venus here (though hopefully you paid attention to our recommendation before the Fringe!)
7pm | Pleasance Courtyard | Until 25th Aug
Punchline 