Eleanor Morton @ The Stand

The clue is in the title of Eleanor Morton’s new stand-up show – Angry Young Woman – in which she uses the central theme of anger about everyday sexism to explore a number of feminist themes including underrepresentation and the erasure of women from history.

This focus makes for a well-researched and informative show, but it is not at the expense of comedy which Morton delivers with ease and likeability. Her routines revolve around a mixture of shrewd observation, covering everything from tokenism to smear tests, and some effective gimmickry. In different routines Morton reads from an email discussion with a so-called ‘anger expert’, and reimagines Marilyn Monroe’s inner dialogue on a 1950s film set.

Morton’s skill and imagination is clearly highlighted in these sections, although they could be blended into the narrative in a smoother fashion. While a routine in which she provides synopses for all-female remakes of famous films provides a chance for her to flex her excellent improv skills, it is drawn upon multiple times at various points, disrupting the pace of the show slightly.

These are minor criticisms, though, for Angry Young Woman is ultimately a thoroughly enjoyable hour of accomplished and skilful stand-up. Morton successfully highlights the important themes she sets out to while never lecturing or sacrificing the show’s humour in order to do so; ultimately her message is better received for it.

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Eleanor Morton: Angry Young Woman, The Stand Comedy Club 4, until 27 Aug (not 14 & 21), 12.05pm, £7-8