Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

Pre-pando, Thanyia Moore had been preparing the archetypal Fringe show: a heartfelt personal story based around a broader issue. In her case, being a teenage bully.

However much that might have been an accolade-magnet, she lost her passion for it during lockdown – although it may still see the light of day as a play. Instead, she decided to just do the funny stuff she loves performing on stage in clubs across the country. For although Moore is a Fringe debutant, she’s a ten-year veteran of the stand-up circuit who exudes an easy but commanding authority on stage.

But it’s not true to say Just Being Funny has no narrative or meaning. It’s her biographical story, from a working-class upbringing on the Woodpecker Estate in New Cross, South London – once dismissed by police and the media as a dangerous ghetto - to where she is now.

To her and her family – especially firm-but-fair mum Joyce, who looms large in this tale – the estate was just home, no stigma attached. She knew of no other existence until she moved to Kent and started hanging out with middle-class white families where she experienced the horror of unseasoned chicken. There are a few familiar cross-cultural tropes like that in Moore’s show, but unlike that Home Counties mum, she knows how to spice things up.

Hers is an affectionate, engaging story, which really kicks up a gear when she reveals her first experience of performing as part of a dance group. And, my, were they good! Five stars for the jaw-dropping control, energy and synchronicity of the title-winning routine from 2005 she shows via grainy camcorder footage.

A recent story about a parachute jump that she filmed for Richard Ayoade’s TV show Question Team is less rewarding and too long. Although she infuses it with as much FML drama as she can, the anecdote coasts on her charisma.

If the audience are fully invested, as they are with the dance material, the lack of a high concept is no big deal; but this segment doesn’t feel like it’s earned its place in the show for Just Being Funny. However, there’s no doubt that Moore herself fits the title, with an innate talent for spinning a good yarn.

• Thanyia Moore: Just Being Funny is on at Monkey Barrel Comedy Carnivore at 6.50pm

Review date: 21 Aug 2022
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: PBH's Free Fringe @ Carnivore Edinburgh