To a capacity audience prior to Katherine Ryan's appearance on stage, we are treated to 20 minutes or so of comedy from openly gay comedian Stephen Bailey who has been touring with Ryan. Bailey was an instantly likeable guy targeting audience members and getting away with much of his comedy with cheeky innuendo and a wink. We were drawn into tales of his childhood and stories of his parents taking him along to auditions of Annie (he has ginger curly hair). I would certainly go along to see him headlining his own show.
Katherine took to the stage and was instantly awarded rapturous applause before even uttering a word, obvious then, that many had seen her before. Ryan has made many TV appearances including 'Mock The Week', '8 Out of 10 Cats' and 'Have I Got News For You' none of which I have followed so I had absolutely no idea of what was to come.
'Kathbum' is the family name given to her and much of her comedy is based upon mocking her family life and her home town of Sarnia in Canada with a 'can you believe that?' Tone..... And yes, you had me believing it! Targeting audience members she shows a sharp wit but never humiliates with her quick and barbed responses, several were indeed obviously seeking the attention from her. Ryan is slick, delivering one liners that had the audience with tears rolling down their faces, barely able to draw breath before the next line.
Attacking celebrities, no one is safe, her Cheryl Cole impression was hilarious, Joan Rivers and Taylor Swift were also at the receiving end of her 'bitchy' observations. Ryan is not sugar and spice (don't be fooled by her appearance!) she is one very clever and sharp lady but unlike many female comedians doesn't rant on. She covers a wide range of topics some which would seem unmentionable to many, but Ryan manages to touch on these with satirical humour.
Rounding off her excellent one hour performance with a tale of the hilarious speech she has written for her sisters 'upcoming' wedding it was slightly confusing that as she left the stage, images of her actually at her sister's wedding were screened...
Katherine Ryan is slick, smooth and sassy. Having never been a big fan of female comedians I can honestly say I thoroughly loved Ryans delivery tonight and would recommend getting along to a show and see for yourself. Leaving the audience wanting more, Ryan is up there amongst the best.
Reviewer: Lorna Weekes
Reviewed: 16th June 2016
North West End Rating: ★★★★