Sam Nicoresti @ Pleasance Courtyard
In pursuit of the perfect skirt suit, Sam Nicoresti has devised an excellent antidote to the state of the world
Sam Nicoresti is on the hunt for her perfect skirt suit. Modelling a cheeky brown corduroy number (apparently bought from Edinburgh institution Armstrong’s), Baby Doomer is a life-affirming antidote to the appalling rise in transphobia sweeping the nation. Her show largely details her journey through transition, including the rarely-talked-about subject of freezing her gametes, and the perils of gendered spaces (surprisingly, with not quite the take you might expect).
Nicoresti’s comedy is so densely crafted and engaging: a very funny anecdote about TK Maxx becomes a gorgeous allegory for trans existence, and losing her Sméagol takes on a whole new meaning. The comparison between naming a pet and choosing a new name to reflect your new identity is an excellent bit too.
She talks about her transition and existing in an increasingly hostile world with such care, dignity and cutting precision. In the same breath, Nicoresti can go from breezily chatting about improving her fitness to setting fire to her own words and soundly smothering the flames in a bucket for all to see.
There’s a hell of a lot of heart in Baby Doomer, as well as an impressively high gag rate. Nicoresti’s smart and punchy combination of the two is a real tonic and a genuinely uplifting piece of comedy to emerge from a place of righteous anger.
Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer, Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Two), until 24 Aug, 5.40pm, returns only; extra show at Pleasance Courtyard (Pleasance Two), Thu 21 Aug, 9.30pm, £12-13