Russian comedian Olga Koch is fast making a name for herself having already clocked up several solo shows, one of which was nominated for the best newcomer award at the Edinburgh Fringe, and appearances on the likes of House of Cards, The News Quiz, and The Now Show.
First up though a quick sidestep to mention the sharper than a sherbet lemon set from her support Erika Ehler who is sure to be one to watch. The Canadian who is half Filipino cuts close to the bone, often with gags that play with her ethnicity. All are consistently delivered with a delicious directness and confidence.
Koch’s latest hour, Homecoming, sees her musing where home might be. Many comics brought up elsewhere but living in the UK mine a rich seam of material from cultural differences but Koch has more angles than most. The ink is fresh on her British citizenship certificate; she’s from Russia but a German enclave in the south. Her accent is pure US as she was educated at an American school in Staines of all places.
Ehler’s set is a great intro for Koch’s more deliciously dark material, she even dares to give that sacred cow of British lockdown, Captain Tom, a gentle ribbing. Koch moves through the cultural observations pulling no punches. Central to the material is the citizenship test – Koch highlighting its ridiculousness. But let’s face it those of us in the crowd who were born here wouldn’t be likely to pass it so idiosyncratic are its questions.
Elsewhere there is plenty of room for a fair bit of sexually liberated smut too, not least a graphic demo of her best friend’s fellatio skills.
Overall it’s another solid hour of stand-up from this smart, sassy, electric performer whose star continues to rise.
Marissa saw Olga Koch: Homecoming at the Women in Comedy Festival, find out about more WICF shows here!
For Olga Koch: Homecoming tour dates click here!
