Becky Umbers’ Put That Cat Back in the Bag is about how to manage your inner weirdo.
The Kiwi comedian dives straight into the possible elephant in the room, her unusual voice, her ‘cat in the bag’. She even goes as far as to prank call an audience member in an attempt to show her disguised voice.
Umbers’ voice is brought up often through the show and is used to advantage in her comedy. She makes some very funny comments about how she is often confused for a child through jokes her boyfriend would hate.
Since moving to the UK, Umbers has noticed a lot of differences from New Zealand, such as our love of trains. She tells us of the first time she saw trainspotters and wanted to join in all the fun.
My favourite part of the show is when Umbers’ shares her experience of meeting someone who could not hold off on unleashing their inner weirdo. She sings a hilarious parody of Put Your Records On, in which a man approaches her asking for a foot rub. It leaves the whole crowd in stitches and is still ingrained and possibly burned into my brain.
Umbers has a talent for backtracking jokes, as many stories will come back with an even funnier turn. There is the odd outdated joke during the hour, such as Umbers stating she is not allowed to attempt other accents anymore, which just feels a little pointless.
Umbers leaves the audience with one message, unleashing your inner weirdo with confidence.
Becky Umbers – Put That Cat Back in the Bag , 20:40, Snug Bar at Assembly Roxy, until August 24
Becky Umbers – Put That Cat Back in the Bag | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
