Kirsty Mann has a massive secret.
As a result, she has been leading a sitcom-esque double life that is absurdly entertaining. Stories of dishonesty and unravelling lies keep you hooked as Mann lists the multitude of strenuous acts that must be upheld in order to keep her other self hidden.
‘Mess’ may follow the point-of-view of Mann but is supported by a plethora of Kirsty’s larger than life friends who are still totally oblivious to her time beyond the stage. This requires Mann’s phenomenal character work of people such as her own best friend, a pompous hypochondriac who seemingly has more money than sense. And Dom, her insanely attractive colleague who by all accounts is a bit of a dick.
Yet, Mann herself is no stranger to wild mishaps and foibles. It’s with her enjoyable and intentionally disjointed style of storytelling that she underlines the messy state her life has ended up in. This is mainly thanks to the drama caused by trying to balance multiple lives, commitment issues and of course her hatred of pooping. Mann really proves her stand-up skills and while she admits the pandemic turned this show into a bit of a WIP, it comes across as a seasoned veteran’s set.
When Mann details the harder parts of her second life, things do get more sombre. Do not be surprised if she has you in tears as she explains her time over the pandemic and the difficult interactions she faces all too often. This isn’t just great storytelling but real emotions that sweep the room as Mann tries to hold herself together. It’s seriously wholesome to see how quickly an entire audience’s mood can shift in solidarity of this woman who has been treating us to joyous laughter for the past hour.
Mann is slowly dissolving the secrecy around her second life to her friends which seems to be easing the stress. Whether she fully integrates them or not doesn’t matter because she is an excellent stand up and doesn’t seem half bad at everything else she does. If you are curious about Mann’s secret or just want to see a really solid Fringe show, then ‘Mess’ is one to catch.
Kirsty Mann: Mess
13:05 at Legends (Venue 96)
August 6 – 19
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22Kirsty%20Mann%3A%20Mess%22
