A left-wing, atheist, ultra-feminist comedienne performing a politically fuelled stand-up show sounds daunting to say the least. However, if you descend into the depths of Ciao Roma expecting a flaming, uneducated, soapbox rant about how all men are bastards and how David Cameron is almost certainly a reptile you will be pleasantly surprised - you may not entirely agree with Kate Smurthwaite’s strong views but there is no denying her comic ability and prowess.
Smurthwaite’s strength of material, delivery and tenacious rapport with the audience allow her to divulge her sometimes risqué opinions with only minimal danger of ostracising the crowd. Throughout the show there were many whoops of support from audience members who shared her beliefs but even the more politically passive and ignorant, a bracket I admittedly fall into, will find much to enjoy in her punchy and intelligent set.
It is easy to see why Smurthwaite is regularly invited onto debating programmes as the verve with which she articulates her views on our land is monumental. This is not to say that Smurthwaite is aggressive or unnecessarily intimidating. She is clearly brimming with passion about the issues she stands for but she communicates her indignation with an infectiously positive attitude. Even when she admits that she often feels her political campaigns are a constant uphill battle or deals with a particularly annoying heckler (as she did on the on the night I attended) her charm never wavers.
Some may still find Smurthwaite’s outright views a little tiresome and she did cross a line with her audience with one comment about pregnancy and abortion, leaving the room cold and silent for a moment. However, Smurthwaite’s comedy is good and she certainly deserves your attention - whatever your political standing.
