REVIEW: Kate Smurthwaite: Clit Stirrer (Banshee Labryrnth) ★★★★★

I follow Kate around social media (don’t worry, she doesn’t mind) and I really enjoy her specific brand of comedy and we agree on many subjects – particularly feminism and not accepting on line abuse. I’ve been trying to get to a show of hers for quite some time. I was very excited about Clit Stirrer, anticipating all kinds of incisive and brilliant commentary and comedy. And I was not in any way disappointed.

She starts the show almost back to front, setting the audience up with an horrendous story about someone she knew and it’s very hard hitting – I won’t give you any spoilers – but when you’re faced with that level at the start, one does wonder where on earth this hour could possibly go. Well hang on to your hats.

As the name suggests, the show centres around Kate’s history and her being known as ‘controversial’ (I mean, I don’t think it’s controversial to not put up with crap from people, but there you go). Starting with some panel discussions and old video clips from way back when, she starts to detail the feedback she receives and how she deals with it – reverently, brilliantly, hilariously.

It’s not all just that though – Kate manages to superbly mix video, projection, sketch, basic stand up comedy, funny anecdotes and the darker serious moments beautifully. I found myself roaring with laughter then roaring with rage. It’s not acceptable that women cop so much abuse on line, are routinely silenced and called controversial for having an opinion and I applaud Kate for making a show about it, alongside her brilliant sketch comedy and brilliant stand up gags.

A stand out piece of stand up. I’m delighted she was so good.

Reviewed by Lou Lou Mason

_____________________________________________________________