Words: Calum Baxter
Image: Matt Stronge

4 stars 

Since her last Edinburgh Fringe hour, Felicity has become a mother, married, divorced, and is now back on the dating scene.

She discusses what life has felt like since the split, how dating looks when viewed through a phone screen, and the strange rules that seem to come with the various online dating apps she has used. Each platform receives a short, playful review as she shares what she liked, what confused her, and what made the process harder than expected.

She also looks back at her appearance on the Australian version of Dancing with the Stars. Her memories of the competition bring a fresh burst of energy, with stories about the pressure of performing, the demands of training, and the gap between confidence and actual dance skill. The subject gives her another chance to poke fun at herself, which remains one of her strongest comic tools.

The hour passes quickly because Felicity keeps the pace high. She moves from one story to the next with sharp timing, expressive reactions, and a stage presence that fills the room. There is plenty of personal material, but the show never feels heavy. Even when she touches on divorce, mental health, or the difficulty of starting again, she finds the absurd detail that turns an uncomfortable moment into a strong punchline.

After eight years away, Felicity Ward has returned with more life experience and plenty of new material. Her voice remains direct, warm, and very funny. One fact is clear: she is still hilarious. As for her dancing skills, the proof arrives in the form of video at the end.

Felicity Ward: I Wish I Could Come Out of My Shell
CabVol 1 at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Cabaret Voltaire)
15:50
Aug 25-30