When this flighty, erratic girl burst onto the stage in a gaudy green tutu and a loud, North American voice, being quintessentially English I didn’t think I was going to like the show. However as soon as the jokes started flowing I realised that I should never judge a book by its cover. Katherine Ryan was witty and dry, with in your face black humour delivered in a likable, animated way. In fact, how I would like Sarah Silverman to be.
It was also refreshing to see an attractive, young girl, who completely embraces her femininity, tackle the comedy world. She was honest, dark and reckless with her lines yet sweet and innocent with her delivery. You instantly warm to her awkward yet charming anecdotes of her childhood, life in Canada, and interesting, half Irish family.
I immediately became a fan and wanted to know more about her, learning she had been a previous winner of Funny Women, appeared on NBCs Last Comic Standing and more recently on the show Campus on Channel Four. This girl is going to go far!
Her show will keep you entertained for the whole hour, as it’s not just jokes thrown at you. Katherine engages with the audience, laughs at her mistakes and is even a bit of a musical act. She is probably one of the most talented comedians I’ve seen at the Fringe so far.
Unlike many musical stand-ups who rely on their voice and just throw a few funny yet repetitive lines in a parody, Katherine keeps you entertained with her performance and you never know what quite to expect with each song. I think she is one of the first stand-ups I’ve seen rap in the middle of singing and was actually quite good at it. And I cannot begin to tell you about the finale. Brilliant, glittering and definitely unexpected, I cannot say more without giving it away.
I thoroughly recommend seeing Katherine’s show and even if you are waiting in the pouring rain outside the Pleasance she is worth it. For a sneak preview see her at Assembly with Funny Women for the North American showcase this Saturday. Not one to miss!
Show details: 10:55pm, Pleasance Courtyard. Book your tickets HERE.
Rating: 
Niki Durham
