Comedy

Words: Rosemary MacDonald

5 Stars

Making her Fringe debut, Canadian comedian Kate Hammer makes commentary on the current UK Immigration process, taking a member of the audience through an ‘Audience Visa’ application while sharing stories of her life and how she chose to be a comedian in the UK. She tells tales of her childhood on a goat farm, her parents, parties and cycling and living in Glasgow.

Hammer’s excellent physicality and vocality while telling these stories team well to have the audience buckling with laughter. Hammer is very expressive which aids beautifully in her storytelling. The images she creates through her physicality, writing and voice are very vivid and have left me chuckling even after the show. 

During audience interactions, she managed to set everyone at ease creating an intimate and supportive atmosphere. This is a crucial skill for a comedian and is one that she has mastered. The layout of the show sets a good pace, going back and forth between her and the audience sections means the hour long show never loses momentum and keeps the audience engaged. 

The hour of great comedy also has some great messages that are portrayed wonderfully throughout using her comedic skills. Hammer excellently ties back her points creating a strong and touching concluding moment for the audience. Alongside her solo show, Hammer can also be seen in Coming Through and 5 Headliners. I would highly recommend catching her where you can.

Kate Hammer: Government Approved Comedian
The Studio at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Niddry Street)
17:00
3 August – 30 August (not 19th)