Helen Keen: Robot Woman of Tomorrow

Review by Kate Russell | 09 Aug 2012

Helen Keen sits on stage, mouth agape, as a larger-than-expected audience files in, and that’s it – you’ve already fallen in love with her. Before the show even begins the stage represents all that is great about science fiction; home-made tin-foil props, a glimpse into the future of the 19th century, and an excited, nervous, energetic woman with just the right amount of geek about her.

Barely pausing for breath, Keen’s delivery is absolutely charming in a rambling, chattery way. A couple of times she accidentally misses out a slide of her powerpoint projection, but it just doesn’t matter. This wouldn’t work if it was a totally slick, polished show – the joy of this is in its DIY, lo-fi vibe.

For science-fiction fans, film buffs, and science types, there are some very pleasing jokes aimed at the more niche crowds. And for everyone else, there’s shadow puppets! A good bit of time and effort has gone into making the theatre and puppets, and it pays off, they’re incredible – who knew photocopiers could be so funny?

Great fun, smart, and a little bit daft, this is an uplifting, unique hour of comedy – perfect for when your nerd sense is tingling. 

 

Helen Keen: Robot Woman of Tomorrow, Pleasance Courtyard, until 26 Aug, 3.30pm, £9.50/£8 http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/helen-keen-robot-woman-of-tomorrow