Review: CATHERINE BOHART: BORROWING TROUBLE, Soho Theatre
Photo credit: Jonny Ruff
Comedy is subjective. Stand-up even more so. Some comedians are loved, whilst others are loathed, but funny is funny - and Catherine Bohart is just that. The Irish lesbian OCD comic (her words not mine) takes us on an deeply personal hour-long show that is brimming with quick gags and hilarious anecdotes. Bohart's talent lies in her warm and relatable persona that is a pleasure to share.
The set fluctuated at an enjoyably erratic pace. From moving in with her girlfriend to returning home for Christmas, every moment in her life was churned for our own amusement, and the jokes kept flowing. Gag after gag after gag. The frenetic energy and strong hit rate led to an evening that flew by in no time at all. The show is titled Borrowing Trouble - a phrase taken from her father who claims that you shouldn't worry about events that haven't happened yet.
Themes ranged from Irish identity, Catholicism, mental health and home ownership. The flow of the show was frantic, dotting between each subject relentlessly whilst still keeping a core grasp of the overall story of the set. The delivery is lightning quick, not only does she talk at a ridiculously fast pace, but the jokes are in a constant flow. There are no lulls in the laughter produced. It is a pleasure to behold a comedian so raw and open, her OCD being the brunt of many a joke. However, just as quickly as her unfiltered life is played out, we are twisted with a punchline to remind us this is comedy, not therapy.
Whilst delivering the material, Bohart masterfully uses sly looks to the audience and exaggerated facial expressions to really hammer the punchline home. Catherine Bohart is a comic who is highly skilled and her repertoire of material proves this. Very intelligent writing and gamely utilising classic stand-up techniques (the rule of three, callbacks) are deployed fantastically throughout the set.
Over the hour, there were multiple occasions in which the laughter was so loud, it was hard to hear the follow up. A bit about lesbian weddings was phenomenal, as was the piece about John Lewis christmas adverts: “Sheridan Smith should play all the lesbians”. Not only that but the manner in which she deals with the audience is brilliant. Due to her energetic and lively personality you are coaxed into a casual conversation that feels warm rather than intimidating. Bohart's quick thinking was especially prevelent when an errant light was shining on an audience member - “the green light makes her look like an actual plant” - cracking stuff.
Revealing too much would, of course, spoil the show. However, what can be said is that Catherine Bohart is seemingly a master at squeezing every last laugh from the crowd. A well-oiled set encapsulating her ups and downs, a true comedian's comedian.
An hour of comedy that is rooted in vulnerability and delivers quick-paced jokes. The control of her material and effervescent character make Borrowing Trouble a well rounded show that is packed with amusement.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: James Springthorpe
