Tania Edwards is wonderfully open and relaxes quickly, gracing the stage pint-in hand. She’s witty and comfortable with this audience of glum looking 50-somethings, which would unnerve even the best comedians. She shows her quick wit by taking on a heckler in the audience, who seems hell-bent on attempting to get the upper hand, easily and politely putting him back in his place.
We see a glimpse of the clown when she giggles sarcastically at herself and the audience seem more comfortable in her moments of naivety. Sharing her inner idiot displays real skill and something which many other comedians spend years trying to achieve.
Edwards’ subject matter will appeal to a wide age range. She delivers an amusing take on a relationship, not only with a boyfriend but with her mother as well. Edwards has great honesty in her delivery and her material about a half marathon that she has bought all the equipment for but has never run, will be all too easy to relate with.
She is what could be described as a kind comedian; those who are scared of the front row at comedy bars and clubs needn’t fear this funny lady. She is someone in search of a little tête-à-tête with one or two audience members but not in an invasive or uncomfortable manner.This is a show that won many over in a mere two minutes and those glum unsure faces disappeared quickly. However there is a question that only comedians can answer and it is this: why they feel it necessary to mention other comedians so much. Edwards is certainly not the only one who can’t help but mention Michael Macintyre but it ends up feeling unnecessary and overdone.
The Art Of War is structured well, is of high quality and is well executed. I have no doubt that we are going to hear a lot more from Edwards in years to come.
