one4review | On 07, Aug 2024

I received an extra content warning email a bit before the show, and while some of Emma Holland’s material did poke at the limits of what some might find funny in a spirit of fun and subversion, it’s nothing like that email had me expecting. Ms Holland’s notion of funny might not be everyone’s taste (I observed one sour face), but her material is strong and she delivers it with conviction and flair.

There’s a fair bit of audience interaction in this show, and my favourite way of responding to latecomers to date. Despite that, Ms Holland is clear that it’s her show, and use of the audience is to reflect the spotlight all the brighter on her. There’s quite a bit going on in the show – collages and modelling demonstrations and haikus – and it’s all well put together and coherent, a complete and entire entity. Subversion and light absurdity are the hallmarks of almost everything in the show to some extent, from plot progrssions to the rhythm of the show itself, with that forty-minute revelation used and flipped so expectations are met, but not how you’d expect.

Ms Holland approaches this whole show with one eyebrow raised, gently challenging us in order to see how much we’ll take seriously, and how far we can be persuaded to laugh. Emma has great comic sensibilities, so it turns out, quite a lot!

Reviewed by Laura

Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Three)
16:45
Until 25th (not 12th)