Reviewed by: Quincy Macdonald
Venue: Monkey Barrel 1
Rating: ★★★★ 4/5
Bella Hull is a professional. She flows across the stage with surprising (or less surprising for those who are familiar with her work) grace for a heavily pregnant woman. Her light crowd work is confident, funny, and interestingly puts the room at ease by getting you used to the idea that the primary joke will be herself.
Bella treads common ground for stand-up, such as ex-boyfriends, flatmates who live a different sort of life to her own, her relationship with her parents, and the odd 9/11 joke. None of these topics get fresh insight, but what they do have is a practised hand from a woman with great timing and stage presence.
For me, I like a comedian where you feel like you have an increased understanding of another human going through the world. This is offered in light-handed jabs at Bella’s own psyche and upbringing.
This show has broad appeal, with moments ranging from slightly dark to outright silly. The venue at Monkey Barrel 1 was excellent, with pleasant lighting and nice acoustics. I would be surprised to meet the person who saw this show and didn’t have a good time.
★★★★ 4/5
