Funny Though by Clare Noy at Pleasance Courtyard Review
Written by Liam A for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Clare Noy's Funny Though emerges as one of the most compelling shows at this year's Fringe, blending stand-up bravado with theatrical vulnerability to create something genuinely original. This isn't just comedy - it's a nuanced interrogation of what happens when personal identity and professional persona collide.
Noy, with her background in physical comedy, demonstrates remarkable range as she pivots between laugh-out-loud observations and poignant introspection. The show's framework - using a devastating breakup as the catalyst for existential and professional crisis - provides fertile ground for both humour and pathos. Her description of losing "lesbian privilege" post-relationship is particularly incisive, mining the bisexual experience for both its inherent comedy and deeper societal commentary.
What impresses most is the show's structural sophistication. Director Lauren Lambert Moore helps craft a narrative that ebbs and flows between traditional stand-up and more theatrical moments, keeping the audience deliciously off-balance. A mid-show revelation recontextualises the preceding material with impressive deftness, showcasing Noy's skill as both performer and writer.
The material walks a perfect tightrope between the personal and universal. When Noy discusses the performative aspects of both comedy and queer identity, she touches on something profound about contemporary culture.
Technically, the show is tight without feeling polished into blandness. The intimate Bunker One space proves ideal, allowing Noy's physicality and nuanced delivery to shine. Occasional audience interactions are handled with confidence, adding spontaneity while serving the show's larger themes about performance and authenticity.
If there's any criticism, it's that the show's final moments could land with slightly more weight after such a rich buildup. But this is a minor quibble for what is otherwise an exceptional piece of work.
Funny Though marks Noy as a significant talent to watch. In a Fringe saturated with confessional comedy, this stands out for its intelligence, originality, and emotional resonance. It's the sort of show that lingers in your mind long after leaving the show - equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking.
★★★★★ 5/5 (Outstanding)
Funny Though plays at Pleasance Courtyard until 25 August
