one4review | On 03, Aug 2025

Sam Jay wanders on stage with no announcement and no fanfare. At the end, Sam ponders off to the edge of the stage to say bye as we leave. In between happens a show that starts in pretty bleak despair at the state of the world, but which ends with joy and a vision for a way forward. As a native I was put-off by Sam’s opening gambit, a bit worried to be visibly not-laughing in amongst a room who were, but little by little I was won over, and just as delighted as everyone else by the final punchline.

Ms Jay’s is an observational sort of comedy, sharing her experiences and riffing with analysis and supposition. Rodeos and teenage white boy music are particular highlights, though others seemed carried off by other elements – mayonnaise, for example. There’s a lot going on in this show, though there is an internal coherence which keeps things moving forwards – and upwards – and little glimpses of that central theme come through, though without any sense of preaching or proselytising. Ms Jay is good with words and this along with her accent and vernacular give the show a musicality that spins images in the air.

A varied assortment of topics coupled with a relaxed ease on stage make this show slide by, the message of the show inconspicuously finding a place to root, blooming after the end when you can look back and see it as a whole. Delightful, uplifting.

Reviewed by Laura
19:00 (1hr)
Pleasance Courtyard (Upstairs)
Until 24th