FRINGE 2018: Why you need to see… Kiri Pritchard-McLean

Who: Kiri Pritchard-McLean What: Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Victim, Complex Where: Pleasance Courtyard - Bunker Two (or Pleasance Courtyard - Beneath) When: 8pm (5.45pm for extra show) Why: In many ways Kiri Pritchard-McLean is the renaissance woman of British comedy. She somehow juggles an extremely successful podcast, with a hugely popular musical show, with renowned compering, with cult sketch-writing, with, you know, her own standup. But this is most certainly not a Jack-of-all-trades scenario. Her 'Victim, Complex' show is not to be missed - which is a pity if you've not already got tickets because she's sold out nearly every night she's on. There's an extra date at a bigger venue on August 18, but that's selling quickly too. In fact KPM performs with such polish and flair that you wonder why she doesn't already have her own TV show. As the title suggests, 'Victim, Complex' is extremely personal and far from straight-forward. It covers the themes of love, trust and mental well-being, but to give much more away would be unfair. She is the nominal 'victim' of the title, but doesn't want your pity. No one with the stage presence of Beyonce crossed with David Bowie and She-Ra wants your pity. Pritchard-McLean sparkles - quite literally - and gives a voice to anyone who feels or has felt like they're slowly going mad with paranoia over something they care deeply about. Her fairness to all the (anonymous) parties in her accounts is hugely commendable. But please don't think this is 'worthy' and therefore 'dull'. It's fucking hilarious. Part of the show wrestles with the conventional definition of 'victim'. Kiri wishes there was a word for an 'empowered victim'. If there's not a word for it yet (spoiler: she invents one), then at least there's now a worthy show for it.

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You can buy tickets for Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Victim, Complex here.