Susan Calman: Lady Like

Susan Calman has an awful lot going on these days, as she hurtles—not unjustly—towards National Treasure status. TV and radio projects abound, and in Topside's hefty queue one couldn’t help but wonder whether success might blunt the confessional, self-deprecating edge that propelled her best live work. Can you still embody the loveable loser when your star is so firmly in the ascendant?

Actually, Calman actively acknowledges her recent upsurge here, and broadcasting tales provide much of the show’s meat. This could well be off-putting from a less adept and engaging performer, but much of this audience are clearly Radio 4 devotees, who she welcomes early on by rattling through numerous listener complaints prompted by her appearances on the News Quiz.

It’s also a slightly divisive tactic, though – an issue with Radio 4’s comedy output generally. All those in-jokes about other Radio 4 programmes must baffle first time listeners. Indeed, Calman’s show does feel rather like eavesdropping on a triumphant Welcome Home party. She even mentions the impressive ticket sales: no one seems to mind.

The show’s intended theme feels underexplored. Lady Like is ostensibly about Calman’s struggles with self esteem, but though she regularly refers to it as “a very honest show,” references to traumatic experiences whistle past with curious haste. While the concept does set up some (admittedly very funny) set pieces, genuine pauses for reflection would give it a more satisfying—and inclusive—soul.

Enjoyable though Lady Like is, Calman seems content to push her current fanbase’s buttons, rather than the envelope.