Tessa Waters: Over Promises

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“The world outside is fucked, so let’s forget about it for the next 55 minutes and just have a lot of joy and stupidity.” Given the show’s title, it’s a bold move for Tessa Waters to begin with such a promise. But she’s right. When she uses her butt cheeks to create a rudimentary Muppet face, I didn’t think about ISIS, Brexit or Donald Trump at all. For that alone, thank you Tessa.

Waters, you see, is a proper clown – "clown" not as an insult, but as in the centuries old profession. This isn’t a stand-up show. There are no jokes, observational humour or topical comedy. Instead, Waters puts her all, in every sense, into pumping the show full of stupidity. She weaponises her body in her mission to bring unfettered joy to the audience.

And for the most part, she succeeds. We get invisible hula hoops, exercise routines, outrageous dance moves and a Simply Red song that, rather than invoking dry retching, inspires happiness. Yes, Water’s force field—powered by her endlessly expressive face and boundless self-confidence—keeps the depressing logic of the outside world most definitely at bay. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, however. Those wanting a passive comedy experience—if there even is such a thing—should stay away. All present are brought into Water’s fabulous bosom, literally and metaphorically. For the rest, especially those in need of joy and stupidity, seek her out. It’s the smart thing to do. Promise.