Patti Harrison at Edinburgh Fringe 2022

****1/2 (out of 5)

Patti Harrison is a woman possessed. By comedy demons. No amount of content trigger warnings can prepare you for the absurdism she channels onstage, whether she’s conjuring up voices such as Bjork or Charli XCX, or opening up seemingly about her mental health and dating struggles. She bemoans the commodification of the comedian. Her response? Making you question when or if she’s ever being sincere onstage. One thing’s for certain. She’s sincerely a riot.

For her Fringe debut, Harrison already is commanding one of the larger stages. Her stage presence, CV, and fan following demands it, frankly. Whether stealing scenes in I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson and The Lost City, or delivering a deservedly award-worthy performance as a pregnant cis woman in Together Together, you just can’t take your eyes off of Harrison. Even when you think you know what’s coming next, she’s ready to surprise you.

The one surprise you might want to brace for: Harrison’s first shows in this run started and ended late, partially due to technical issues and partially due to other factors. So if you were hoping to run to catch another show immediately afterward, perhaps don’t. Catch your breath instead.

Patti Harrison runs through Aug. 27, 2022, at Pleasance Courtyard (Forth).

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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