Words: Calum Baxter
Image: Lucy Ridges

4 stars 

Finalist in the 2019 BBC New Comedy Award and runner‑up in the 2023 Funny Women Stage Award, Hannah Platt returns to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year with her second hour, Cult Classic. The concept for the show originated from a notion Hannah harboured since her adolescence, which is that if her life did not unfold as she hoped, she could always resort to joining a cult, thereby alleviating herself of any accountability for failure. The show reflects on whether her life has indeed ‘worked out’, what constitutes success, and whether she has been imposing an unattainable standard upon herself.

Platt appeared to grow in confidence as the hour progressed. Her natural talent and sharp wit is clear to see through her crowd work reacting to numerous off-the-cuff moments in response to the audience members she interacted with throughout the performance. 

Not every punchline landed, however Hannah endears herself to the audience in this personal hour where topics include therapy, family bereavement and her own self-worth issues. She occasionally even wonders if she will continue to be a comedian in the future and considers other options. I can only foresee Hannah’s Fringe hour improving as the month progresses and she grows more familiar with her own material. She’s an incredibly talented and versatile comedian with a unique voice and it is worth trudging up those attic stairs to see.   

Hannah Platt: Cult Classic
Attic at Pleasance Courtyard
19:15
14-30 Aug