Helen Keen: Robot Woman of Tomorrow

Helen Keen sits on stage, mouth agape, as a larger-than-expected audience files in, and that’s it – you’ve already fallen in love with her. Before the show even begins the stage represents all that is great about science fiction; home-made tin-foil props, a glimpse into the future of the 19^th century, and an excited, nervous, energetic woman with just the right amount of geek about her.

Barely pausing for breath, Keen’s delivery is absolutely charming in a rambling, chattery way. A couple of times she accidentally misses out a slide of her powerpoint projection, but it just doesn’t matter. This wouldn’t work if it was a totally slick, polished show – the joy of this is in its DIY, lo-fi vibe.

For science-fiction fans, film buffs, and science types, there are some very pleasing jokes aimed at the more niche crowds. And for everyone else, there’s shadow puppets! A good bit of time and effort has gone into making the theatre and puppets, and it pays off, they’re incredible – who knew photocopiers could be so funny?

Great fun, smart, and a little bit daft, this is an uplifting, unique hour of comedy – perfect for when your nerd sense is tingling.