COMEDY

Sarah Archer is a likeable lesbian, who has just turned forty. Her routines focuses on her life, her ex-husband, and events in her past that made her laugh. She also has a surreal edge, and it is these moments that are easily her best.

There is some good stuff here. The gag regarding the duck on the golf course was great and the advice her father gave her about men and what they keep in the trousers, was very funny. She also did this brilliant Star Wars skit, using members of the audience. Sadly there was also some less good material. Her routine on expectant motherhood must only have served to scare the pregnant woman in the audience and the Disney musical satire was met with near silence.

Archer hasn’t quite found her voice yet, some of her material is very strong, but her performance could do with a bit more direction. She has a tendency to tell members of the audience to stop laughing, so we do. She frequently laughs at her own jokes too, which can be irritating.

However, on balance, you’d have to say that there is much to be enjoyed here. There are some terrific original ideas and some hearty belly laughs. As someone who has watched a lot of Stand-Up, I can see the potential. A bit of work with an experienced director will bring out the best in her.