Black Widows is a comedy show that is not afraid to explore the darker areas of comedy, the stuff that not all comedians would dare to joke about. With a line-up of female only comedians without a filter in a very small room, straight men must enter at their own peril.
Leading the show is our host Moni Zhang who is joined by an ever-changing line up of female comedians. Moni herself is the perfect comedic host: to the point, charming and with a good no nonsense attitude. Her jokes are fast, direct and she’s very good at singling out her prey without making them too uncomfortable. Her support for her fellow artists shines through which really helps the space to feel less like a group of strangers stuffed into a karaoke room and more like a group of friends sharing a laugh together.
As for our guest acts, well its guaranteed in comedy shows that some jokes will land, some will fit their audience, and some comedians just won’t be for you. Our line-up of the night included 4 comedians each having their own short set.
Our first guest being Gabrielle MacPherson, who’s dry comedy hits just the right spot. What she lacks in enthusiasm she certainly makes up for in comedic timing and wit. She is definitely one to look out for at the fringe this year.
Our follow up performer Sofia May unfortunately wasn’t for myself, but her style is much more “oops can I say that?”. Judging by the rest of the audience’s reactions some of the comedy hit well but a good chunk seemed to leave us awkwardly laughing from time to time out of politeness. This being said she is very charismatic and has some good material brewing.
Our third guest has asked to remain anonymous so I shall not go into too much detail other than to say that she was brilliant.
Finally, we had Mia Minkova, a favourite of the line up for myself. Her comedy is seamless and seems very natural to her. Her set felt polished and well ordered whilst her personality is one that you would immediately want to be friends with.
This all being said the guest roles will change from night to night so it is no real guarantee as to who you would see other than Moni herself. Either way it’s an hour of good fun and not for the easily offended.
Black Widows plays at Laughing Horse@ City Cafe (Hollywood) from 1st – 25th at 21:35.
Tickets: 1 Cent Comedy presents: Black Widows | Comedy | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)
Reviewer: Beth Eltringham
Reviewed: 1st August 2024
North West End UK Rating: