It is a rare treat to see surrealist comedy this good. Sanders’ genius is to keep the audience off balance, no sooner have they wrapped their heads around one concept another comes flying at them,
The answer to What is That Lady Doing? is downright bust-a-gut comedy.
There’s not much structure or narrative to the show, it moves at breakneck speed and feels like you’ve over indulged in some amphetamines. Sanders onstage persona’s mood oscillates wildly from overconfidence, painful self awareness, sexual aggression and amiability in quick succession. Initially it’s a lot to take in, but it's endearing and ensures the character can get away with plenty of lame or dark jokes.
Some sections are stronger than others but nothing last longer than it needs to, so if something isn’t to your tastes another skit will be along shortly. The section about slam poetry is especially well observed and filled with petty malice which the form so richly deserves.
Jingles are sprinkled throughout the show and they are equally catchy as they are funny. Hearing inside the character's head is a neat trick. It especially used well after the appearance of a genderless character that enhances the previous joke whilst banishing fears of discrimination.
Come the closing section lots of strands are woven together to create a ridiculously satisfying ending. There is some poignancy hiding throughout if you know where to look for it.
The answer to What is That Lady Doing? is downright bust-a-gut comedy.
