one4review | On 24, Aug 2013

Devoting a show to feminism is something of a gamble. Just use the word and it could be a turn-off, but Mary Bourke’s brand of very funny and intelligent humour in exploring this theme is a winner. Biting observations delivered in her soft, Irish accent are very telling.

A muffragette could be simply defined as a feminist willing to use humour to overcome hostile and entrenched attitudes. By adopting this strategy, women working together could challenge the misogynists, such as the abusive tweeting trolls, more successfully than by strident preaching. She refers on several occasions to her granny’s very direct and earthy wit and there are some hilarious one liners I could quote, but go see her yourself to discover what they are.

Her comedy is not a litany of man bashing as females also can come in for criticism and this strikes a good balance. There is a huge amount of good material in her show and, although it centres on the one theme, there is such a variety in her routines it keeps the audience laughing and smiling from start to finish.

****

Reviewed by Ben

 

The Stand Comedy Club; 12

2 to 25 August 2013 (not 17)

17.50 – 18.50

Fringe Programme Page Number: 121