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Shalaka Kurup: Get A Grip

 
Esther Review by Esther 4 Published: 17 Aug 2025 Pleasance Courtyard Show Dates: 30 Jul 2025-25 Aug 2025

“Who’s ready for an hour of comedy?” asks Shalaka Kurup as she introduces herself on stage in the Attic at Pleasance. And she certainly delivers.

A show as slick as it is sardonic

From the outset of her debut Fringe hour, Kurup lets us know that her dream is to go to therapy. Emigrating from India to the UK doesn’t cover the “uniqueness” she desires, so she’s convinced a therapist’s diagnosis will help make her special – and, more importantly, be great “for the plot.”

On paper, this might not sound like the most likeable protagonist or premise. But Kurup is so self-aware, to the point of hyper-awareness, that you almost find yourself equally incredulous that someone with a PhD in trains doesn’t fall on the autism spectrum.

The gags come thick and fast – or fast and furious, in honour of Kurup’s inexplicable love of the film franchise. Yes, the literal “doctor of trains” is also partial to a “why sad, be fast.”

There’s not an ounce of fat in Get A Grip: what could have been an hour of navel-gazing in the wrong hands is instead a show as slick as it is sardonic. Kurup is a formidable writer, with the stage presence to match.

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The Blurb:

In a desperate need for attention, Shalaka has decided to get a mental health diagnosis. Join her as she convinces her therapist that there's something wrong. Channel 4 Sean Lock Award finalist. West End New Act of the Year winner. As seen on BBC, Comedy Central and Channel 4. 'An impressive arsenal of cool, sardonic stand-up' (Chortle.co.uk). 'Deadpan joy' (MorningStarOnline.co.uk).