Reviewed by Kim Bickerdike
My friend and I have never seen a stand-up comedian, so we had no idea what to expect. We took our seats in the lovely Quay Theatre at The Lowry which is a tiered theatre with a really intimate and engaging feel. There was a simple stage set up with just a microphone and some lighting, but it looked stylish and offered no distractions, so our focus was right where it needed to be… on Sophie. Sophie came bounding on to stage with her signature ‘tit shake’ followed by baring her bum to the audience, she dropped the f bomb on her opening line and this had everyone laughing and cheering and got the audience in the mood for a good laugh.
Sophie then introduced her support act Amy Vreeke who did a 10 minute stint. Amy discussed her recent weight loss journey and issues with her health and was very, very funny, she only performed for 10 minutes but I could definitely have watched her for a lot longer. If she ever has her own show I would highly encourage you go and see her.
After Amy had finished it was time for the main event and Sophie spent the next hour discussing her childhood, her mum’s addiction issues and time spent in care. The stories she told were side-splitting and I could have listened to more. This was Sophie’s home audience as she is from Bolton and she had many friends, family and care leavers who she works with in the audience.
Sophie moved on to discuss lazy labels and stereotypes and how we’re all put in a box and ‘branded’ Sophie’s labels are ‘woman, northern, working class’. She described how these labels have helped propelled her career as they are currently en vogue as opposed to her talent (which she has in bucket loads) and other labels which haven’t served her so well such as ‘escort and care leaver’. She tells many stories from childhood parties to traffic light dating and even touches on politics. Throughout the performance Sophie engaged with the audience and the whole performance was interactive.
The show lasted for 1 hour and I could have watched her all night, she is one smart, engaging and hilarious comic with a great understanding of the world and I would love to see her make it big in the comedy world. If you ever get the chance to see the show, DO IT. You won’t be disappointed. Following the show Sophie held a 20 minute Q&A session. This gave the audience a unique opportunity to ask her anything and to get to know Sophie better.
There is quite a lot of bad language throughout the show but the enjoyment you will receive from this performance will override any offence you feel. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much and so hard. Thank you, Sophie, for a brilliant night and please come back up North soon.
Rating: 5/5
Sophie Willian is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates visit www.sophiewillan.com.
For other shows The Lowry in Manchester visit www.thelowry.com or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
