Are you a shopaholic but hate how difficult it is being an ethical consumer? Candace Bryan is the same, and she’s here to tell you how it is impossible. Along with some great bits about the depressing concept of doom-shopping, there is some great material in here about consumer behaviour and review culture. Who on earth leaves a review for a toilet brush? More importantly, what does it even mean to be one of the world’s leading experts in toilet brushes? You’ll have these questions and many more by the end of her fantastic hour.
Britney Spears introduces the main concept of the show, commenting on her own shopaholism via video before Bryan enters and gets straight into the show, asking members of the audience about their own shopping habits. Her crowd work is great, she establishes a comfortable relationship with the audience, who very quickly feel comfortable sharing their bizarre, unnecessary purchases. Her deadpan delivery is charming, but can feel just a bit repetitive when a number of punchlines are rattled off in quick succession. On top of some very funny stuff about stalking her partner’s ex’s Goodreads account and combing through 36,000 reviews for a toilet brush on Amazon, there is some interesting stuff about the ownership of companies like Deliveroo and various dating apps.
At the end, an audience member brilliantly takes on the role of Karl Marx during a hilarious interactive game show gag. The crowd helps wrap up what is a really fun hour of stand-up comedy.
Candace Bryan: Don’t Be Ridiculous, Everybody Wants This, 16:00, Bothie at Gilded Balloon Patter House, Aug 5-17, 19-31
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/candace-bryan-don-t-be-ridiculous-everybody-wants-this
