by ***1/2 (out of 5)
In her second Fringe, Chloe Petts announces: “No more Mr. Nice Chloe.”
Petts reveals her demographics split as her personality does, appealing equally to top football lads and beautiful gentle queers. Does that demographic breakdown warrant a break down from Petts, though? Why is she so angry at the audience, or in general? Is it because she doesn’t feel like she can be angry in either of her two camps? Is it due to increased hatred recently toward gays and trans folk? Does she even know? That’s what Petts attempts to unpack in this hour. Don’t worry, she’s already unpacked it all in therapy, or is working on it. So far, she has realized she’s happier when strangers confuse her for a gay man. And that it still sometimes takes a stranger on the bus to diffuse a potential violent situation and teach her a lesson. Fortunately, any anger she may actually have right now translates well into her onstage demeanor.
Besides, Crystal Palace opened their 2023-24 English Premier League campaign with a win over Sheffield. So I imagine if nothing else, Petts will be in a much nicer mood this week!
Chloe Petts: If You Can’t Say Anything Nice runs through Aug. 27 at Pleasance Courtyard Above
