Juliet Cowan grew up in an era where the fear of nuclear war was never far away, meaning that the four-minute warning was a signal that she must lose her virginity straight away. This hour deals with Cowan’s upbringing and her childhood insecurities. Her 25-year sabbatical from stand-up hasn’t dulled her timing or command of the stage; however, Cowan’s show is a little too hectic at times, and the props onstage aren’t always introduced clearly enough so that the audience feels her connection with them. Her interactions with the audience were enjoyable, and in the closing section, when she brings four of them up on stage to portray scenes from her teenage years, Cowan looks to be enjoying herself.

Pleasance Dome, until 25 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Tom Brogan]