From the moment Pat Candaras takes to the stage in her show at The Underbelly, you just know you're going to like her. Candaras has a certain charm that makes you feel you already know her, and she already knows you. For 55 minutes, she candidly tells you about sex, religion and her life in Brooklyn.
The last visit Candaras made to Edinburgh was in 2001, just before the events in September. America has changed a lot since then, but it has provided Candaras with some solid-gold material in her observations of the more extreme reactions of homeland security. Her warm, yet matter-of-fact delivery, underlines the absurdity of a society suddenly suspicious of everything.
But it's not all about the terrorist attacks. Candaras is here to tell a poignant personal story of her love life, dealing with losing a husband and coping with the world around her when she'd much rather be doing something mundane like cook a chicken.
The audience was light today, but they were still audibly appreciative. Candaras deserves a bigger crowd, and I heartily recommend you include yourself.