Kiri Pritchard-McLean @ Pleasance Courtyard

Kiri Pritchard-McLean derives fine comedy from a difficult time in new Fringe hour Victim, Complex

Review by Yasmin Hackett | 07 Aug 2018

Kiri Pritchard-McLean’s new hour on the Fringe, Victim, Complex, deals with particularly delicate matters, and matters that are clearly close to the comedian’s heart. It is a story about the recent breakdown of her relationship, and, it transpires, of learning that she had been gaslighted throughout the relationship. Because of this, a lot of the time, she visibly struggles through some of the material – but it is worth it for a show of this quality. Victim, Complex is Pritchard-McLean's Lemonade. Like Beyoncé, she is honest and upfront. The hour is also hilarious and it's a winning combination for a show of this kind of weight.

Pritchard-McLean masterfully toys with the audience’s emotions, injecting the twists and turns at the right moments, and always knowing when to bring in the more lighthearted material. Because while Victim, Complex is confessional, it is also firmly still a comedy show – and there are plenty of instances of solid joke-writing. At times Victim, Complex can be a tough watch, but ultimately it succeeds because of Pritchard-McLean’s ability in dropping a joke that, after moments of seriousness and reflection, will have you belly-laughing long after the punchline has been delivered.


Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Victim, Complex, Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Two), 1-27 Aug, 8pm, £6-10.50

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