Candid memories lead to promising comedy career
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
SARAH KEYWORTH: DARK HORSE ★★★
Melbourne Town Hall, until April 21
Sarah Keyworth grew up in Nottingham being told she was a tomboy, or much worse.
For years she attempted to live a straight life, but thankfully she's now an out-and proud-lesbian with a penchant for shopping in the teenage boys section.
There's an activist undercurrent to her material, which explores the pitfalls and injustices of gender identity with gentle, occasionally bawdy flair.
"If you don't get it, assume it's a fingering joke," she quips in her frank and chatty style.
Keyworth is at her best when revealing memories of painful childhood bullying and slut-shaming, inviting comparisons to Hannah Gadsby.
The second half of the show focuses on her time working as a nanny for an upper-class family, and can feel a little indulgent and drawn out.
With a nomination for Best Newcomer at last year's Edinburgh Comedy Awards under her belt, this feels like the start of a promising comedy career.