Does My Face Look Big In This is a one-woman show with Caroline Hardie, a relatable, witty and energetic comedian. Observing that we think the same thoughts again and again as we live our routine lives, Hardie attempts to brighten them up with a mixture of stand up comedy, wacky sketches and impressions. In her incredibly well-spoken and energetic tones, she muses on her own daily routine, not afraid of revealing hilarious details about her everyday trials and tribulations. Using multi media and props of all kinds, we feel as though we’re getting a glimpse into the mind of this sharp and engaging comedian.
The way she expresses herself is Hardie’s best asset as a performer. Her tone is honest and believable with a chatty and relaxed style that had the small audience in hoots. Her silliness and lack of self-consciousness added a boost of fun to her act and broke up the patter, adding an element of absurdity that the audience enjoyed.
With a touch of Bridget Jones that some might find a little bit much, she certainly wasn’t pushing any boundaries of comedy. That’s not to say that her show is boring; we’re taken on a rollercoaster ride through the perils of her generation and of the comfiest but ugliest bras through the eyes of this quick-witted comic. Sometimes a little too purposefully quirky, Hardie’s impressions were funny but not hilarious. The moments of really special comedy were the more observational, casual sequences that were priceless in their frankness. Staying too long with impressions after the audience had bored of them and downplaying her very natural talent as a stand up made this show only good, not brilliant.
