Review

REVIEW: Luisa Omielan: Politics for Bitches – 3*

REVIEW: Luisa Omielan: Politics for Bitches – 3*

Radio Ha-Ha! talks Ha-Ha!

Written by Vanessa Maselino

This is by far one of the toughest reviews to write, because it almost feels wrong to put a star rating on somebody’s display of painful emotions. In many ways, it can be argued that we should not have to put a star rating on someone’s pain, because raw heartache should not be listed as a comedy show.

There was a great disconnect between audience expectations and what the show delivered. With all of the excitement surrounding Luisa’s previous shows; such as ‘What Would Beyonce Do?!’ and ‘Am I Right Ladies?!’ We poured into the auditorium expecting to feel the signature high energy and empowering party spirit, that is usually rampant at Luisa’s performances. Whilst many still left feeling empowered, I couldn’t help feeling like I had just sat through a harrowing marketing pitch; only to find out that there was no free boat and timeshare at the end. The fact of the matter is; we came for political satire but were instead forced to sit through a somewhat faux political seminar, fuelled by resentment and anger.

Many would argue that this disconnect was not necessarily negative, as they were quite pleased with the solemn yet emotive turn that the show took. However, I feel the current format of the show does not reflect Luisa’s range as a comedian. In the show Nanette, Hannah Gadsby gets serious about politics and homosexuality, giving the impression that the show will now longer be a comedic performance, but instead a display of her anger, and overwhelming desire to tell her story. However, the comedy doesn’t end there. It is still subtly woven into the rest of her routine. Therefore, the audience are exposed to raw and uncomfortable truths, but in a way that is easier to absorb. Whereas, Luisa completely ditched the comedy after the first 20 minutes and focused almost entirely on her personal suffering for the remainder of the show. There was no respite for the audience, or any poignant/clever lines to take away; just simply a 40 minute insight into a therapy session with Luisa Omielan. Yet, without any real resolution. She rallied the audience and told us to rebel but didn’t exactly tell us what form this so-called rebellion should take. Does she want us to all march on Parliament? Start a petition? Should we all stop paying our taxes? Or perhaps invite Theresa May round for tea, chit-chat, and a light spot of field running.

Undeniably, her back and fourth with the audience at the beginning of the show scored some laughs and set an incredible tone, for what would have been, a cracking comedy debate about politics.

Overall, our hearts go out to Luisa for the trauma she has experienced, and she is still a source of inspiration, simply from the fact that she is battling on and performing sold out shows so soon after her tragic loss. Was she wrong for using her platform to spread a message? – Absolutely not! Nonetheless, the show should have either been infused with greater moments of levity to allow the audience to feel connected to Luisa’s message on more than just a sombre level. Or, she should have been bold in her message from the offset, and let people know in the description that she has a lot of brutal truths to say, and if you come; you’re going to listen, whether it’s funny or not.

Luisa Omielan: Politics For Bitches. Gilded Balloon Teviot – Debating Hall. Every day (except the 23rd) at 9:15PM. Book your tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/luisa-omielan-politics-for-bitches

Radio Ha-Ha

August 17th, 2018

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