one4review | On 24, Aug 2024

Isobel Rogers’ Fringe show How to be Content is a delightful musical odyssey that effortlessly blends wit, warmth, and inventive storytelling. Armed with just her guitar, Rogers delves into the existential questions that modern life throws at us, tackling them with a sharp, yet tender, comedic edge. Whether she’s pondering the right time to have a baby, wondering if she’s her therapist’s favourite client, or comparing polyamorous relationships to the joys of moving back in with Mum, Rogers navigates these themes with a refreshing honesty and playful curiosity.

Her original songs, with a touch of Lily Allen’s cheeky and conversational style, are both catchy and thought-provoking. Rogers’ songwriting shines as she turns everyday anxieties and societal pressures into clever, melodic narratives. Each tune is a snapshot that reflects the humour and heartache of trying to find contentment in a world full of conflicting expectations.

What sets How to be Content apart is Rogers’ ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level. Her performance feels like a conversation with an old friend—intimate, engaging, and full of knowing smiles. By the end of the show, you’ll be humming her tunes and reconsidering your own approach to life’s big questions.

****
Reviewed by Gavin
Pleasance Courtyard – Below
17.50 (1hr)
Until 25th Aug