Scotland

The Coil’s Lament – Just the Tonic, The Mash House

Irish comedian Siomha Hennessy combines storytelling and song in this fast-paced comedy show. This felt like a classic re-telling of womanhood through the lens of Hennessy’s personal experience. However, the familiar subjects of dating, mental health and family dynamic were elevated by Hennessy’s high-quality writing and energetic performance. Also, moments of witty originality, such as the musical number where she impersonated her IUD, were a refreshing surprise.

Hennessy also smashed her musical numbers. Her voice was impressive and again the writing was well-done. Comments shared between herself and the on-stage keyboard player added further humour to these musical moments. Also, the way she wrote the keyboard players silent on-stage presence into a few of her jokes was clever and displayed her ability to create comedy from simple elements such as her stage set-up.

Hennessy was an extrovert who respected the introverts in the room. Her interactions with the audience felt natural and she created a relaxed atmosphere where you felt encouraged but not expected to participate in the show whether that be whooping to relatable questions or tapping along to her Irish folksong.

Jokes about Irish culture ran throughout the show, and I imagine her authentic Irishness will be well-received by audiences during the upcoming premier in Dublin.

Running time: 1 hour

Reviewer: Amy Rose Holstead

Reviewed: 8th August 2023

North West End UK Rating:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Amy Holstead

Recent Posts

Julia’s Song – Epstein Theatre

A setting of white picket fences (?) backed by a row of seemingly terraced houses…

1 day ago

Until Proven Human – Barons Court Theatre

Until Proven Human invites its audience into a fictional ‘civic assembly’ following a series of…

2 days ago

Bigfoot Ripped My Dog in Half I Saw It – Soho Theatre

Flying high after a fourth Fringe First award at Edinburgh, NYC duo Xhloe and Natasha…

2 days ago

Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie – Underbelly Soho

A massive hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, this show is a timeless, joyous, authentic exploration…

2 days ago

Come From Away – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Some musicals are written to entertain, some are emotional and then there's Come From Away,…

2 days ago

Dear Evan Hansen – Hull Truck Theatre

On Wednesday evening, the Hull Truck Theatre audience gave Hessle Theatre Company’s production of Dear…

2 days ago