All of Sophie Duker exudes confidence, so the 2015 Funny Women Awards finalist’s show was the perfect choice to start my Edinburgh Fringe journey this year. I’m hoping it’s contagious, so I can use it sparingly through the week.
From wanting to hide what made white people uncomfortable to fully assuming her position as a triple threat, Sophie shows us she no longer worries about the discomfort of the white man. Audience interaction is done expertly, and the reactions of the three white men on the front row of the show I attended, were rich fodder to Duker’s show, and she made sure she’d use it, on the spot, without skipping a beat.
Venus is an exploration of what it means to be a black woman, through the experiences of a specific black woman. Sophie examines the role models she had in the media, from the male father figures to the black women she could find, and there are some surprising choices for heroes.
A combination of stand up filled with well-written jokes and well-timed video projections, this show has everything you could ask for… even dancing! Yes, there was twerking, and surprisingly not the last time of the day.
★★★★
Sophie Duker: Venus is at the Pleasance Courtyard at 19:00 until 25th August (except 14th August). For tickets and more information click here!
Funny Women are at the Edinburgh Fringe with five shows, from 19th – 23rd August, a Funny Women Awards 2019 semi-final, a Stand Up to Stand Out workshop and a Meet Up. Come find us!
There’s still time to nominate a women-led show for the 2019 Funny Women Awards’ Best Show Category! The show with the most nominations will be picked! Nominate a show you have seen or your own show by 31st August here!