Words: Caitlin Finnerty

4 stars

Sparkly, sultry, and unfiltered, Cat Cohen returns to the Fringe stage with Broad Strokes, her most personal show yet. After suffering a stroke at age 30 (just before a European tour, mind you), Cohen turned catastrophe into cabaret, and the result is dazzling.

Backed by a live pianist who giggles along like the rest of us, Cohen glides through her chaotic, confessional set like the rock-and-roll Leo she is with wind in her hair and a dance with death in the rear view mirror. She’s a toxic shock syndrome final boss, a millennial anti-heroine, and your most dramatic friend all rolled into one. 

From near-death experiences to stressing out over being called “normal,” Cohen weaves vulnerability and absurdity into something refreshingly honest and relentlessly funny. She teaches us important lessons through song; like how to live in fear, how to romanticise your trauma, and how to look hot while doing it.

There’s not a single dull moment. She fills the stage with chaotic charm and boundless energy. If you’re not already on Cat Cohen’s level, it’s time to catch up.

Cat Cohen: Broad Strokes
Pleasance One
21:00, 
Aug 4-24