If someone were to ask you what your unique selling point was, what would you say? It seems every comedian needs a compelling answer. Call it their niche, call it their gimmick, or their “thing”, it’s undeniable the audience needs something to sink their teeth into and remember them by. In short, Gabby Killick’s USP was about finding her USP. Her agent makes it abundantly clear it’s of utmost importance. Fighting back against treading the fine line between speaking one’s truth and staying inoffensive, Killick jumps off the tightrope and rages against the politically correct status quo. Her day jobs, career aspirations and random musings made the backdrop of her dirty, visceral, vulgar, agent-opposing content.
Killick’s high, sunshine-like energy fills the space. She takes on multiple characters by shape-shifting between mannerisms and distinct voices and as she personifies diseases, social media apps and rodents. A distinguishing quality is her original music punctuating the show. The works emphatically express Covid lockdown induced hornyness or involve sheepish audience members in TikTok dances choreographed by the comedian. With plenty of audience interaction the front row was a splash zone. Despite the interactivity, a level of removal from the audience is maintained by a highly performative style. Through daring content, the comedian attempts to turn the search for a USP on its head, while not necessarily arriving at one of her own. The level of self-awareness it takes to be open about struggling to distinguish yourself as an artist is commendable. This is conveyed through a collection of disjointed, but nonetheless, shock-factor invoking thoughts on current happenings or personal anecdotes.
I thought about what musical theatre is to theatrical realism, Kilick’s show most definitely aligns with the former. More obviously rehearsed, it’s fuelled by a classic, showbiz-esque high energy. Think jazz hands and the signature wide-eyed expression of a West End performer. It’s comedy that’s loud, ostentatious and side flirts with controversy.
Gabby Killick: Conversations With My Agent
15:00 @ Gilded Balloon Teviot – Lounge
August 2-13, 15-27
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/gabby-killick-conversations-with-my-agent
