one4review | On 10, Aug 2019

Not being a gym goer, like many, I assume I had to check the definition of the word Hench and found out that it alluded to being strong and muscly… and was usually applied to men. Not really the sort of compliment for Ms Fostekewe to write home about, but perhaps write an excellent show about?

Jess, a comedian, writer and co-host of the extremely popular podcast The Guilty Feminist, likes the gym especially weightlifting and even used a personal trainer for a while, to make her feel good, not for anyone else. Her mother has a different exercise strategy and says Jess is not very feminine!

But the show is not all about this, she examines the difference between female and more toxic male flirting, diets and diet companies and all their failings, a large section on the birth of her now 4 year old sexist son in spite of her trying to raise him gently and his grandad not assisting this cause with ultra-masculine toys and gifts. The show is peppered with laugh out loud moments, yet there is plenty of substance to get the old grey matter pondering also.

Ms Fostekew has always delivered a quality hour and this year has turned in her strongest , no pun intended, show to date, a show that is regularly sold out so you better be quick.

****

Reviewed by Geoff

Monkey Barrel 4

13.30 to 14.30

Until 25^th (not 12^th)