one4review | On 03, Aug 2025

A stifling room and a slow, unnerving, inexorable slide into a mirror realm where the stories you hear make you feel like the reddit-mom saying “oh, honey, no! Don’t marry that man and don’t take his nonsense” make this a disconcerting hour in the uncanny valley. A little bit of crowd work establishes familiar territory long enough to make us comfortable and believe we’re watching traditional stand-up, but the skewing of reality starts almost immediately, even if you only notice looking back, so gentle is the shift.

Then there’s the eerie matryoshka placed on the stage and unpacked piece by piece, with no overt reference or explanation. They do have a pivotal role (and it works really well), but until that’s revealed, they’re just creepy dolls, the room’s really hot, and Ms Edwards’ delivery and pacing doesn’t do anything to alleviate the sense of being hypnotised, seduced to the dark side.

There is a vague impression that this show is for Ms Edwards herself first and foremost, and for the audience second. There’s a sort of catharsis about it, and there were certainly a number in the audience who found the whole thing suitably hilarious, and seemed to really embrace the idea of the show. Jain’s commitment to doing her thing is commendable – good comedy doesn’t please everyone – and I’ve no doubt her audience will find her.

Reviewed by Laura
16:15 (1hr)
Underbelly Bristo Square (Daisy)
Until 25th (not 11th)