Before even taking the stage, Lucy Porter announces that we’ve won the ‘Sexiest Audience at the Fringe’ award, so you know we’re onside by the time she grabs the mic. Be Prepared is based on the Scout motto, but the show itself is also much more Scout-themed than you might expect. For people who were maybe not so community minded in their childhood, we learn an awful lot about the organisation over the course of an hour.
Porter has a wonderfully warm and friendly air, exuding likeability towards anyone within range.
Porter has a wonderfully warm and friendly air, exuding likeability towards anyone within range. Her brand of humour is easygoing and inoffensive, appealing to the kind of audience that doesn’t like too much swearing but appreciates a good innuendo. She clearly loves her job, often cracking up at her own jokes, and has put a lot of thought into the message of this show.
With a surprising amount of trash talk about Bear Grylls, Porter takes us through her childhood as a gnome (don’t ask) and how it affected her adult life. There are quite a few “mom jokes” (no one likes a wet beaver), an exploratory journey through the contents of her handbag and some poignant memories of influential troop leaders. Does she bring up Brexit? Yes, but she feels bad about it. Despite the niche Scout references, most of her set is relatable and super relevant. Who doesn't want validation on a daily basis?
Comedy is a mixed bag, especially at the Fringe where the acts range from the bus driver making sarcastic comments about the weather while you stand dripping in front of him, to the TV star who has been revered by your family since before you were born. We all came here to have a good time and this show is a guaranteed slam dunk. Lucy Porter is the funny, kind-hearted wine aunt you need in your life right now. She might even give you a badge!
