Fabulously funny
Katie Norris is figuring out her legacy, and on the basis of her show “Go West, Old Maid”, she’s got a headstart in cementing herself as a hugely talented comedian. One who is a self-described old soul, composed of old/new spunk, unapologetically millennial, and sporting a sartorial assist from academia.
Katie’s story is of defining her legacy and her relationship with the generations either side of her, and particularly her dad’s influence and legacy. In this hour, studded with musical interludes (including sharing wisdom with her godson, the joy of plays, and sexual boundaries) we traverse the topics of being a godmother, millennial aspirations, blocked loves, family secrets, a Q&A related to her new hobby, getting a job in theatre, and her influence on Gen-Z.
The songs are fantastic, both lyrically and in performance, and Katie is just naturally funny in her flurry of anecdotes, furtive whispers, accent work, and 4th wall breaking asides to the crowd. Early on, a couple of segues maybe didn’t flow quite as expected, but this is a treat of an hour which flies by. The real cornerstone of this show is her father, and her portrayal of their relationship, which is told with such love and humour.. A fellow actor, posh with bells on, and interesting ideas about how to generate contacts via his email invites. There’s a particularly delicious King Lear spat between Katie and her dad, with her stalking around the stage.
It takes a brave soul to stage a radio play in the midst of a comedy show, and in less competent hands, this wouldn’t work, but it’s carried off here with charm and an inclusivity that envelopes the whole audience (particular props to Doug and Mike, our farmer and IFA for this evening).
We finish with just a lovely and beautifully balanced reflection from Katie, to the strains of Max Richter’s Spring. Katie may be wondering about what her career holds for her next, but whatever it brings, she should consider her legacy assured.
“Katie Norris: Go West, Old Maid” runs until 24 August, at 19:40 at Pleasance Courtyard. Tickets are available from: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/katie-norris-go-west-old-maid