ADHD, suicidal ideation, Thorpe Park, the comedian’s love of the TV show Pointless, whether or not you should be faithful to the ghost of your dead partner, skiing (or rather failing to ski), fancying Shrek and septicemia. Just some of the things that Irish comedian Alison Spittle’s new show is about. That and nearly dying.
But, really, all of those are just the dressing. At heart, Big is a voluminous show about weight loss, Spittle’s refusal to be fat-shamed and some personal history that is much worse than being called – as she has so often by many, many men – a “fat bitch”.
Man, this is a bracing, bullish show, full of laughter but with a steely core of self-belief at its centre. Spittle is a joy to spend time with. She has so many comic thoughts that at times she loses her place, but even when she wanders off the path she finds interesting places to explore. It’s not a show about crowd work but when she does chat with her audience what strikes you is her willingness to find common cause with everyone.
And the humour is great – sharp, cheeky, well worked. But it’s Spittle’s willingness to speak up for herself that you take away from this show. She articulates her lived experience clearly and precisely and in doing so makes you think as she makes you laugh.
Recommended (as if this needs saying), but, be warned, it may ensure that every time you hear the word “milk” used as a verb in future you may feel slightly queasy.
Alison Spittle: Big, 16:45, Monkey Barrel 1, until August 24
