I was set the task of reviewing 'Sara Pascoe vs the Truth'. Fine, I thought. No problem. Niente problema. Nil points. I'd never seen Sara performing a full length show before but I had really enjoyed all the shorter sets I'd glimpsed before. I knew she was clever and original and her work was of a really high quality. I didn't know she'd blow my mind like Tommy C blew out the candles on my fifth birthday cake. Unexpectedly. Directly. And with such confidence and panache that I fell a bit in love.
The concept of the show is the interpretation of facts and 'truths', using a Nietzsche quote as a spring board. "Yuck, that sounds a bit smug and interlectumal for me. I won't get it." (It helps if you read that sentence in my mum's voice.) Don't be fooled. It is a million miles away from being self-congratulating or stuffy.
It IS, however, one of the finest hours of stand up I have ever seen. The material manages to straddle across a range of qualities; anecdotal, abstract, thought provoking, silly, moving, philosophical and personal. There are lots of composite parts, sections and elements, but it doesn't feel remotely disjointed and when you look back at what she covered it is hard to imagine how she linked it all together so seamlessly. She fluidly weaves between themes such as relationships, doppelgangers, body image, existentialism and mice and satisfyingly links everything with beautifully constructed call-backs and connections. It is genuinely masterful and her exquisite turns of phrase and left field perspectives are cheek-hurtingly hilarious.
On top of all this, Pascoe's delivery is exceptional. She is charming and engaging and so completely at home on stage. While the well constructed form of the show presumably doesn't leave much wiggle room for spontaneity or digression, Sara is always 'present' in the performance. It doesn't feel like a rehearsed monologue. On the occasion I saw her, she had lightening quick, hilarious responses to what was going on in the room.
The hour flies by. I actually wanted more! Which is a huge deal three weeks into Edinburgh festival when the thought of more comedy makes you want to cry. Secretly, strictly between you and me, I did well up. I had a lump in my throat at the end. I found it really moving but I can't quite pinpoint the cause. It could be the melancholic aspects of the piece. Or perhaps because you feel like you might have learned something quite personal. Or, It could be one of those cries you do when someone does something amazing in a film (Please refer to 'Cool Runnings'.)
I can't recommend this enough.
* * * * *
Amy Gledhill
Sara Pascoe vs the Truth is on at Assembly : George Square Theatre at 8pm until 25th August. Buy tickets HERE
