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Pleasance Courtyard
A dazzling blend of musical whimsy and sharp humour, showcasing exceptional talent and making for an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud performance.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Catherine Cohen: Come for Me is a delightful and eccentric blend of confessional stand-up and musical comedy, showcasing the performer’s unique talent and undeniable star quality. With her charismatic stage presence and unpredictable humour, Cohen captivates the audience from the moment she steps on stage, weaving together off-the-wall anecdotes and catchy, witty songs that linger long after the show ends.
Cohen’s strength lies in her ability to turn personal musings and everyday absurdities into laugh-out-loud moments. Her songs, while humorous and often irreverent, touch on deeper themes like existential angst and self-acceptance. Whether she’s singing about the metaphorical void within or the uplifting merits of self-care, Cohen infuses each line with a blend of sincerity and irony that makes her performance feel both relatable and wildly entertaining.
As a performer, Cohen exudes confidence and warmth, engaging with her audience in a way that feels both intimate and spontaneous. She notices every detail, from crossed arms to empty seats, and uses these observations to draw the audience further into her world. Her interactions, particularly with her pianist Frazer Hadfield, add an extra layer of humour to the show. Hadfield’s seemingly nervous demeanour contrasts brilliantly with Cohen’s over-the-top persona, creating a dynamic that is as charming as it is funny.
The musical aspect of the show is where Cohen truly shines. Her songs are not just clever; they are genuinely catchy and showcase her versatility as both a singer and a songwriter. Drawing comparisons to greats like Victoria Wood and Joyce Grenfell, Cohen has a talent for pushing boundaries with her music while keeping it accessible and fun. Her ability to craft songs that are both humorous and meaningful is a testament to her skill as a performer.
However, while Come for Me is undoubtedly a very strong show, it occasionally feels a bit too polished. The spontaneity that makes Cohen so engaging can also feel a tad rehearsed, and there are moments where the material borders on predictable. Additionally, some of the themes and jokes, while hilarious, tread familiar ground in the realm of modern comedy. This slight repetitiveness doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience but does keep the show from reaching its full potential.
Despite these minor critiques, Come for Me is an uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable performance. Cohen’s message, beneath the comedy and occasional raunchiness, is one of acceptance, self-love, and resilience. It’s a show that leaves you laughing, but also thinking, and perhaps even feeling a bit more hopeful about life’s absurdities.
Cohen’s rapidly growing fan base and rising profile suggest that this might be one of the last chances to see her in such an intimate venue before she inevitably graduates to larger stages. With her mix of sharp wit, musical talent, and infectious energy, Catherine Cohen is a comedian to watch—and Come for Me is definitely a show to catch.
Written and Performed by: Catherine Cohen
Piano Accompaniment by: Frazer Hadfield
This show has completed its run at the Edinburgh Festival. Further information about Catherine Cohen is available here.
