From her delightfully dimpled cheeks to the ends of her practical bootleg jeans, Lucy Porter exudes comfy, and makes her audience feel just the same. Even those standing in this packed out venue question how this 4' 11” should-have-been Blue Peter presenter can be of any threat to them? Surely the most controversial thing to ever come out of her mouth are the braces that perfectly aligned that infamous grin?! But, height can be deceiving…
This year is Lucy Porter’s 10th Edinburgh Fringe and after the necessary gags about Edinburgh’s tram system and the Scottish referendum, she asks if any of her audience has seen her perform before. She rewards a frequent customer with a Mars Bar, which after introducing her family, actor husband Justin and two children, one cannot help but think that she is unknowingly using parenting tools to reward well behaved punters. I wish she was my mum.
But she need not use such trickery. Porter has her audience eating out of her tiny palm. To Monday’s somewhat mature audience she apologises for her rudeness when assimilating her bedroom antics with her 6' 5” husband to those of a ventriloquist and dummy, and pre-warns them about any swearing, but as it’s her 'Me Time' she can do whatever she wants!
Now in her 40s, Porter’s easy anecdotal style lends itself to tales of being invisible to younger men, the joys of discussing the Mumsnet penis beaker on BBC Radio 4 and her fascination with beards (“You can kiss and exfoliate at the same time!”).
Being a liberal lefty, she gets very fired up discussing her political views and probably should consider her audience more when talking about immigration, but generates cheers from her audience when bad-mouthing the British government.
If you’ve seen and liked Lucy Porter before, go see and like her again this year. I challenge anyone not to fall for her endearing charm.
This year’s show, aptly titled 'Me Time' feels just like it sounds; Porter’s chance to let off steam and invite her audience into her zany world, doing what she does best; enveloping you in a great big comedy hug, whilst occasionally poking you in the eye with her sharp wit. She’s the mum you want all your friends to meet.
Lucy Porter's 'Me Time' is now running at The Stand Comedy Club, 5 York Place, EH1 3EB as part of the Edinburgh Fringe until this Sunday 10th August. Catch her while you can!
For more details and to book tickets click here.
Kate Lennon.
