Sara Pascoe wants you to open you mind to the possibilities…in the least preachy, pretentious way possible. In fact, all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy a hilarious hour of stand-up comedy.
Pascoe demonstrates a taste for Nietzschean philosophy, echoing the infamous assertion that ‘there are no facts, only interpretations’. An enquiring mind serves Pascoe well, the UK comic a champion of lateral thought. She presents an hour-long mish-mash of ideas and personal insights, analysing everything from irrational fears, to religion to feminism. There’s an endearing quirkiness about her, too, one as subtle as it is enjoyable. All things considered, it’s impossible not to be drawn in.
Pleasingly, Pascoe seems to favour no single comedic discipline more than any other. At any given point throughout the show, you’re just as likely to enjoy an amusing, self-deprecating aside as you are to be surprised by one of her hilariously grim quips. Pascoe’s show oscillates wildly between styles, effectively establishing her versatility as a comic performer. It’s striking, also, how comfortable Pascoe appears before a crowd. This show is a trap of the worst kind for any aspiring comedians: she makes it seem unbelievably easy.
Vs The Truth is a comedic indulgence, brimming with exquisite whimsy, intellectual thought, light and dark. Pascoe is a clever, affable character and a must-see this festival.
BY NICK MASON
