You know when you get a rubbish birthday gift from a friend or family member? And you have to say thank you and pretend that you love it? Celia Pacquola’s boyfriend gifted her not one, but two inflatable kayaks, with no prior suggestion that they were gifts that she wanted. Most of the show centres around this and the title comes from not being overly critical when you are given a gift or favour, and this all makes sense when everything comes full circle at the end. Beyond unwanted presents, Pacquola talks about being a ‘gasper mum,’ making new friends and finding jazz exceptionally boring.
She begins the set with a bit of crowd work, which is rare for her, after a traumatising experience where an audience member made things very difficult to continue with the set in an appropriate manner. People are asked about bad gifts they have received and you’ll be surprised just how many members of the audience have had to suffer through relationships where their partners simply have no clue. Like jazz, many things are ‘technically excellent,’ but perhaps not so great when presented to the wrong person. Her delivery is hilarious, a moment where she goes into detail about people who consider their partners their best friend leaves the audience in stitches for a good minute.
Pacquola provides a brilliant set that educates future gift-givers and keeps the audience laughing. The hour ends on a really sweet, yet achingly funny note, leaving everyone watching with a smile on their face as they exit the venue.
Celia Pacquola: Gift Horse, 18:15, Upstairs at Assembly Roxy, Aug 5-14
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/celia-pacquola-gift-horse
