Twayna Mayne @ Pleasance Courtyard

An interesting debut from Twayne Mayne

Review by Jenni Ajderian | 09 Aug 2017

At the top of her show, Twayna Mayne points out how few Black British women there are on the comedy circuit, and by extension at the Fringe. As part of one of the most under-represented groups in the public eye, Mayne uses her platform as a performer to talk through the challenges faced by women of colour in this country, and by her in particular. As a comedy show, this is difficult to pass off, and her tone often slides more into that of a lecture than of thoughtful comedy, but overall we are left with an interesting story, humourous observations and a sense that Mayne has more to say.

Once she gets into her stride, the jokes come thick and fast, with one well-imagined character popping up time and time again to play against her own dry wit. If anything, these sections need to last longer: Mayne imagines the definitely-not-racist jokes a white man in her position could come out with, throwing up her hands and letting us fill in the blanks where she leaves off.

Improvised back-and-forths with her audience make for some of the high points in the show, with her own incredulous expressions allowing us to laugh at ourselves as well as with her, and against the world.


Twayna Mayne: Black Girl, Pleasance Courtyard (This), until 27 Aug (not 16), 4.45pm, £8-12