one4review | On 09, Aug 2024

Caitriona Dowden has hit upon a good conceit for her stage presence: an outwardly monotonous and dry delivery juxtaposes with and gives lie to the content of her material. This is comedy with one eyebrow half raised, dry, yes, but also subverting tropes and expectations. Ms Dowden is campaigning to be beatified, and this show is her manifesto.

There’s lots of good stuff in this show. Her persona and vibe established in the first minute by a change of ambient music, Caitriona solidifies her connection to the audience with some crowd work, and steadfastly maintains this vibe throughout the show. Her material is solid and funny, and some is quite slow burn, matching that dry vibe. The show is well organised, and there’s a good flow through it.

If there’s anything to criticise, it that there is a slight danger of sliding into being so chill that audience engagement wanes. Nevertheless, this is a promising debut from a very agreeable comedian.

Reviewed by Laura

PBH’s Free Fringe at Banshee Labyrinth
12:50
Until 25th