one4review | On 20, Aug 2026

Cecily Hitchcock’s family recipes do feature in her debut Fringe hour of comedy but there is so much more her to unpack. Much of Cecily’s very quirky observations are of growing up in the uninspiring millennial new town of Cambourne. For uninitiated, and it appears that we all are, except for one random audience member. It is a collection of new builds where rarely anything of note happens and it’s close to Cambridge.

Growing up as the youngest and strangest of three siblings. We are told of the thoughts that inhabited the young impressionable mind of Cecily. These range from the unexpected to the slightly disturbing! There was an early obsession with some characters from Austin Powers, aspiring to be a glamour model to the imagined relationship between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. The Gordon Brown theme continues until Cecily’s impression of him sings a rendition of Cher’s Believe! There is more unexpected twists and turns in this hour of stand up including a hilarious impression of a southern belle / Katie Price mash up.

There is some crowd work which Cecily handles effortlessly. It is her relaxed stage presence and charm that is key to pulling all the elements together. The audience are completely on board and there is definitely a fan base which stems from her online sketches and videos that have over twelve million views on social media.

One of the highlights of the hour are Cecily’s impressions of her unconventional parents and their random words of wisdom to their young daughter. The unusual recipes that would be presented as dinner for the family. One particular dish which consisted of a banana wrapped in ham is a stand out. Can it possibly be as bad as it sounds? I think so.

A very impressive debut hour of comedy from Cecily, and her parents are here tonight to witness it and receive their very own round of applause. It feels like more of a shared experience for the audience in this compact but packed Pleasance Cellar.

****
Reviewed by Margot
Until August 30th at 20:10
Pleasance Courtyard (Cellar)