Words: Billie Cogman

4 stars

Sam Lake is generally a performer who really likes to tell the audience about himself in explicit, sometimes intimate detail, with frequent emphasis on his sexual identity, his lifestyle, and how he approaches the world around him. 

In his new show, Esmēralda, Sam keeps the same topics but changes the formula in a way that really shows a more personal side of the comic, and keeps it incredibly fresh. Last year, he painted a picture of his life through stories about his life with his husband, but this year he talks about the same sort of experiences, only this time; through the eyes of his mother. 

Because of the family member connecting the stories, this show contains a lot less X-rated details about his sex life, which allows Sam to really speak about himself in a honest way that he previously hadn’t been able to. 

I don’t mean to say that this show is particularly heavy on the emotions (there’s more than a few gut punches and tender moments that almost brought a tear to my eye), but it is heavy on the laughs. Sam Lake has a touching and hilarious show on his hands, and so far has the best joke I’ve heard all fringe (I so badly wish I could tell you).

The laughs come in waves, but with a few lulls, and some so-so projector use. There is a little left to be desired. But all in all, this is an hour that leaves you walking out into the day wanting to call home and talk with your mum. It’s beautiful.

Sam Lake: Esméralda
Monkey Barrel Comedy, Monkey Barrel 2
13:30
Aug 6-11, 13-25