Caitriona’s low-energy, deadpan delivery is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the Fringe. For 50 minutes she talks about her apocalyptic dread, using obscure historical events to contextualise her anxieties.
It takes a while to get used to Caitriona’s rhythm, but her writing is undeniably sharp.
The dry delivery, paired with niche historical facts, creates jokes that unfold slowly but reward you once they land – though sometimes taking a moment to fully process. Regardless, the laughs are earned even if they are slightly delayed.
If you have even a slight interest in history, then you will enjoy your time with Caitriona. From the dancing plague (possibly caused by psychedelic fungi?) to the many miracles performed by medieval women, her set left me curious to learn more.
Caitriona also shows that she isn’t a one-trick pony by rooting some of her jokes in the modern day, her story of ‘winning a competition’ that takes her to Australia, and how her love-life is going with her big-band playing boyfriend is very funny.
Some material is dedicated to sex and gynaecological appointments and won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it culminates in a very funny bit involving an ‘NHS issued’ instrument.
If World War 3 does break out, being stuck in a bunker with Caitriona wouldn’t be the worst fate.
Caitriona Dowden: Dance Like Everyone’s Dancing, PBH’s Free Fringe @ Carbon (Room 2), 14:10, until 24 Aug
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/caitriona-dowden-dance-like-everyone-s-dancing
