one4review | On 20, Aug 2026

The lovely New York stand-up comedian Alessandra Ford makes her fringe debut and brings her one woman show to the fringe and not for the 1st time, performed in front of a sell out audience. Does life fall apart at 30 or is it the start of a new beginning, well sit back and let Alessandra give it to you with both barrels!

She began the show in a foul mood due to some undeserved criticism from a recent review (Better watch what I say!). That sets the tone for some male Vs female comparisons throughout the show. She then gets to know the audience a little before proceeding to categorise the well-known social media sites with some ‘diverse’ groups before discussing the pro’s and conns of getting a Russian Gel Manicure and why are people that give advice always the last ones that want to give it? Moving on, she asks what you would do if you heard interesting noises from next door, well Alessandra has the answer which was hilariously unexpected and you shouldn’t ask questions you don’t want the answer to!

Alessandra then talks about her ‘Self-help’ which I think she inherited from her gran. Is being in a relationship for 9 years, getting married and then divorced 5 months later all before the age of 30 the American way? Her husband was English and Alessandra’s experience of England was certainly interesting; the school her Ex went to had a bit of an unwanted reputation. She compliments this with her own English accent which was well received by the audience. She alludes to her relationship with her now ex mother-in-law who from the off didn’t hide the fact that she disapproved of her marriage. She doesn’t hold back as she tries to figure out why and defines the relationship between her Ex and his mother. What do you say to someone that’s been divorced, is it congratulations or commiserations? Alessandra gives you her opinion on it.

As the laughter in the room begins to build, she hilariously gives her opinion on Dick Pics and things that give her the Icke! She explains one of her biggest Icke’s that her ex-husband was responsible for and cleverly compares it to serial killers. So, what does a serial killer do well that a husband can’t?

I was very fortunate to review this show as it is a work in progress. When Alessandra entered the room wearing a colourful outfit you knew this was going to be entertaining and she didn’t disappoint. There was a hint of nervousness now and again but who wouldn’t be nervous performing in front of a sell-out audience. She captured the audience from the start and kept them entertained throughout the show. Her enthusiastic and bubbly personality was addictive, with a mixture of direct and out of the box comedy, made it a very enjoyable show. Yes, there’s a little bit to work on here but each performance will get stronger and stronger and I’m looking forward to seeing her progression.

****
Reviewed by Steve.J.
Gilded Balloon Teviot (Also at Greenside)
Until 31 August