Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

There’s so much to adore about Shelf, the easy-going double act comprising Rachel WD and Ruby Clyde, who’ve been friends since they were kids.

They’re founding members of the Lol Word, which showcases queer and non-binary comedians, and their identities are a key part of their shows, alongside funny true stories about growing up, family, relationships and more.

As masculine-presenting lesbians (Ruby did go through a phase of looking super-feminine, which was covered in their previous, excellent show, Hair), they have a lot of delicious material about how they are perceived.

Rachel, for example, who’s been cultivating a ‘bad boy’ image since childhood, has never been catcalled; the closest they’ve come to it is having passers-by addressing them like a strapping young lad. ‘On your tippy toes, son!’ shouts a bloke when he sees Rachel kissing a woman in public.

Ruby, meanwhile, who had a real thirst for vengeance as a child, made a hilariously lethal pact with their tomboy pals about what should be done if any of them started looking girly.

You’ll have heard a lot of jokes about social media algorithms in recent years, but the bits about the platform’s suggested posts for Rachel are so fresh and hilarious: basically, it clearly thinks they’re a teenage boy.

Ruby deploys their beautiful singing voice and guitar skills a few times (particularly strong stuff concerns break-up playlists, giving thanks to Alanis Morissette’s teachings about the importance of being deeply unreasonable when a relationship ends). Meanwhile, Rachel, whose vast talents don’t necessarily include singing, moves enigmatically.

The duo also talk about Shelf: The Kids’ Show, which definitely, definitely makes children gay (please, for the love of God, know we’re all joking here). Kids say and do as they bloody well please in these sorts of environments, and R&R share some gorgeous insight into junior audience responses, as well as the earnest, well-meaning interventions from liberal parents.

This pair have an enviable rapport and a fluid connection with the audience and it’s impossible not to have fun in their company. An hour with them is like a big, warm hug from someone who loves you.

Review date: 16 Aug 2023
Reviewed by: Ashley Davies
Reviewed at: PBH's Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms