Soph Galustian’s on-stage presence is undeniable, and hugely enjoyable.
By raising one singular eyebrow, Soph Galustian is communicating a message to a TikTok audience of over 200,000; without saying anything, they know what she’s saying. But for a London audience, Galustian has broken it out of the internet sphere, and with excellent polish and skill she takes her expressive face to the stage in all-new stand-up show, part of Soho Theatre’s Rising Festival. If an on-screen career weren’t proof already of Galustian’s comedy chops, her onstage presence is undeniable, and hugely enjoyable.
The show’s title, Hey Mammas, is a reference to a certain lesbian subsection, labelled so by internet savvy queers, spottable by sight through a distinctive style and mannerisms. Manchester born Galustian is not afraid of centring her lesbianism in her comedy, and it is reflected in her fan base too (the response to the question ‘are there any straights in the house’ got a particularly quiet response).
‘Diversity forms love me’ she acknowledges, as she moves through simple yet effective anecdotal bits covering growing up working class, queer, and from an abusive household, as well as a long-lasting love for Girls Allowed (we’ve all been there), high school pranks, and more. There’s even a spoken word poem about rainbow dildos and a (very) short song.
It’s a very compelling mixture of straight storytelling and surprisingly punchy jokes. At one moment, she picks up her newly published book No worries if not: A Funny(ish) story of growing up working class and queer and reads the lies she told at primary school directly from it. No spoilers, but they involve Simon Cowell and hearing aids.
Galustian is an excellent physical comic, her expressive face, bold eyebrows, and piercing eyes play a crucial role in eliciting laughs, particularly an extended physical re-enactment of being told off by your mum and threatening to run away that keeps the laughs coming and coming.
The show feels distinctly polished for a work-in-progress, and it’s balanced with Galustian’s delightful playfulness and an infectious smile that’s hard not to join in with. She’s a comic seemingly extremely comfortable with her audience, a sweet spontaneity shining through making even the rehearsed jokes for a compellingly fresh.
Internet followers may be surprised at Galustian’s sweet confidence in person, away from her internet persona, but won’t be shocked that she just as funny and entertaining on stage, like she is online. A true treat to the comedy scene.