Review by Steve Bennett

Her previous experience as an actor ensures she knows how to hold the stage; but unlike many other thespian converts, she also presents a genuine personality to the audience rather than simply playing the role of a stand-up from behind that invisible forth wall.

That persona is a mixed bag of middle-class insecurities, selfish intolerance and dinner-party opinions on the issues of the day. It’s a scattergun approach, which means the punchlines certainly come quick in the short sets she tends to be performing at her current level of ‘experienced newcomer’. But it also means she doesn’t possess the single, well-defined attitude the best comics always have.

Griping about her casually insensitive mother is a particularly strong suit – surely a sitcom character in the making - and she sometimes talks about her own children, too. Less well-formed are her news-based gags, with comments about David Cameron, for example, having a sound point of view, but lacking the sharpened point of her more personal segments.

But there’s a lot more to her than the obvious likeability, and as she continues to learn what style of gags work best for her, she is almost certain to be a comedian to keep an eye on.

Review date: 16 Sep 2007
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett