Hannah Gadsby has been accused of killing comedy, but you’re going to remember this eulogy for a long time.
Nothing short of exquisite
Hannah Gadsby: Woof! was supposedly rewritten only a week before opening at the Fringe, but it has all the hallmarks of a witty and provocative Gadsby original. As always, they hit that perfect balance of stand up show, Ted Talk, and lonely philosopher soliloquising on the meaning of life in a damp cave.
For a show that is definitely not about grief, they make some poignant remarks about the excessive admin required in death. They discuss their lack of interest in mainstream pop culture icons, like the Barbie movie and Taylor Swift, as though they blame themselves for not trying hard enough, while hammering home a valid critique of modern feminism’s reliance on capitalism. And the way Gadsby weaves in the show title and its many meanings is nothing short of exquisite.
As a comedian who could be described as having ‘made it’, Gadsby is concerned about how fame has changed them. They’re not wrong to worry, considering the way that ‘average Joe’ stand ups often lose their relatability once they can afford private trainers. Based on this show, they have less to fear than most. Gadsby has an insightful way of delving into the internal struggles all humans face, no matter what tax bracket they’re in, and a willingness to criticise anyone — friend or foe — despite threats of being ‘cancelled’ for their comments.
So far, their unique talent has not been blunted by an upgrade in economic status. Whether or not that changes, you might as well go see them before the Swifties catch wind of their material and shut this whole city down.
