Natasha Yapp is a witty, clever and talented young woman with a flair for comedy, although it’s clear she is just beginning her career. Her material, based largely around her ethnic background, was intelligently thought out and delivered in a clear, confident manner while remaining relaxed and comfortable.
Yapp powered through what could’ve been a very awkward performance, having only myself and two others in the audience. She soldiered on, delivering her material just as if there was a huge crowd in front of her – something which I think takes a lot of courage, particularly for a young comedian. Don’t be disheartened, Yapp, the people will come.
Being a graduate of the social sciences, Yapp has embraced the fact that it’s basically impossible to get a ‘real’ job. She worked this into her material for a realistic and darkly funny aspect, drawing groans of woe from the graduates to be in her audience (which, on that afternoon, was just me).
Yapp’s main material was based on her Scopolaysianese descent. I’m 95% confident this is a mix of Scottish, Polish and Asian, and she is proud to be part of all three of these cultures. Focusing on the Asian aspect for the majority of the time, Yapp retold her tales of visiting her family in Asia and casually threw in some justifications of the stereotypes in Asian families – all in good humour, of course. While being edgy and quirky, Yapp remained respectful to her heritage throughout. I really liked this aspect of her show; she was able to take material which had the potential to be offensive, but having clearly thought through her words and delivery she remained gracious and humble – revering her heritage through her comedy.
