We all like a bit of smut don’t we? That said, there’s nothing really troubling about the content of Lily Phillips’s show covering some of the biological intricacies of being a cis-female through the lens of her pet dog, who is also her general all-round inspiration in life.
Lily discusses topics appertaining to her life and times including excess body hair, thrush, periods, and toilet etiquette. I found it particularly funny when Lily asked a straight-laced looking middle-aged couple to share their toilet habits!
Lily has a ‘butter wouldn’t melt’ demeanour so her edgier material might seem at odds with the disarmingly sweet smile, neatly coiffed hair, and stylish girl next door appearance. She’s quick to address this by stating that she’s not as young as she looks and challenges her audience not to judge her, although she knows they are already doing just that. Lily sets the ground rules very early on in the show so that the unprepared can ‘strap in’ ready for the rollercoaster.
I really like a woman who can deal with everyday taboos and make them sound (almost) appealing. Describing how Lily juggled her moon cup with a contraceptive coil and the enlistment of her male partner in a distinctly feminine biological complication (no spoilers – you had to be there) brought tears to my eyes, and not necessarily from laughter. The modern-day inconveniences of being female are hilariously explored in this engaging and competent debut show.
The Pleasance is a well-known launchpad for some of our finest female comics. Lily was a very deserving Stage Award finalist in the 2017 Funny Women Awards and runner-up in last year’s Comedy Writing Award so I’ve seen a little of this material in development. As a polished performer, Lily also showcases the range of her writing skills and there will be lots more to come I’m sure.
In these post Lockdown times, it’s great to watch a show from an act who exudes a life-affirming joyfulness and makes us laugh out loud. Lily doesn’t disappoint bringing a whole new human perspective to ‘toilet humour’ and delivering graphic content with such charm that you don’t really notice the smut until you’ve laughed at it.
★★★★
Lily Phillips: Smut is at The Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker One at 19:25 until 28th August. For tickets visit EdFringe.com.
