one4review | On 10, Aug 2022

Celya AB is an emerging comedy talent having won the Birmingham Breaking Talent Award back in 2019. Birmingham plays quite a part in her observational comedy in what is her Edinburgh Fringe debut.

Celya is French and moved “intentionally” from Paris to Birmingham around eight years ago. We learn that she had a range of very boring, menial but surprisingly quite enjoyable office jobs in the years following her move to Birmingham. She has observed casual racism from Birmingham natives towards the French and indeed has worked along side unapologetic “big” Brexiteers. One ex colleague in particular, Susan Jones, seems to have made quite an impression with her straight talking.

It feels a bit more like a cosy chat amongst friends than a stand up show. Celya’s style is very laid back. The compact Attic venue is a perfect setting with a receptive audience.

We are treated to Celya’s observational take on a range of topics from lying on your CV, to Jeff Bezos, books, coming of age American movies, lying about being able to swim, through to . . . learning to swim.

There are no quick fire gags. Its gentle funny and amusing story telling.

****

Reviewed by Margot

Pleasance Courtyard (The Attic)

19.15 (1hr)

Until August 29th (not 16th)