Tia Rey @ The Gilded Saloon

“A lot of this story is true… and then there’s a wee bit that’s made up” announces Tia Rey as she prepares to divulge in an hour of raw, anecdotal material. As is the understanding of any great comic storyteller, in this show there’s some fact, some fiction, and a whole lot of jokes.

We begin with an introduction to Rey, a Glaswegian comedian who is slowly amassing a cult following. She doesn’t skirt around the edges of who she is or how she’s perceived – “you’ve got five seconds to figure out what you’re looking at” – and in fact this is the driving force behind her humour. Lighting a candle and some incense, she tells audience members she wants them to feel like they’re at a gaff during her set. Remarkably charming and instantly personable, Rey creates an environment where people truly feel they can connect with her.

Oot Ma Banger is a journey through Rey's psychedelic drug-taking experiences, told with the wit and intelligence of someone you know you’re going to be in safe hands with; think of her as an audience trip-sitter for the hour. Aided by minimal audio-visual effects, Rey takes us with her on a particularly poignant acid trip which turns out to be one of self-discovery and transformation. Given the complex topics behind the material, there is definitely room to offer a wider commentary on its themes and Rey, with the clear bags of potential she has, would be well placed to provide this.

This conversational hour details the beautifully arduous process of queer becoming with a dry edge. A professional comic with a polished routine, Tia Rey gives the impression of someone who’s been on the scene for decades. Make sure you catch her while you can.

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Tia Rey: Oot Ma Banger, The Gilded Saloon (Basement), until 31 Aug (not 17), 9pm, £13-15