Don’t weep for me yet, but reviewing comedy is a hard art. Primarily because how you see a comedian is a very subjective thing and one which often relies on the context you see them in. One day a performer can be hilarious, the next time, they’re not. Is this because you are in a different mood or headspace, or is it because they were simply not as good? No-one knows for sure. And anyone who tells you they know, is, at best, guessing.
There is little objectivity and absolutely heaps of subjectivity to go round. One absolute truth is that when you’re sweating your guts out for an almost empty room, it is hard for the performer and for the audience. This was the case when I saw Tania. Throughout, I had the feeling that if this was a full room, she would feed off the energy and deliver a tremendous performance. There’s certainly no doubting this experienced Aussie’s ability, commitment and bravery but the truth is it did all fall a bit flat, perhaps inevitably, due to lack of punters.
That said, it wasn’t hard to imagine it all going down very well on another occasion, especially the superb middle-of-the-set feminist diatribe, which was delivered with real passion and invective, drawing applause from all in the space. One of the great truths, perhaps only truths, about comedy is that some days you eat the bear, some days the bear eats you. On this occasion, the bear got a good feed but on another, well, the bear better watch out for this gutsy performer.
Tania Lacy – ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses’
Just The Tonic At The Caves – Just The Fancy Room 19.30
Aug 10-13, 15-26
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tania-lacy-everything-s-coming-up-roses
