Arts > Comedy

Josie Long

Norwich Theatre Playhouse

19/02/17

When I head out to watch some stand up comedy I usually have it in mind that I am in for a night of laughter and lighthearted entertainment that will amuse me for a few hours. Every now and again though you see a comedian that not only gives you all the LOLZ you could ask for but really makes you sit up and think about what they are saying and how you fit into it all. After leaving the theatre last night I was fortunate enough to say a quick 'hello' to Josie as she sung the audience out to Take That Karaoke at the side of the stage. As I went over I planned my gushing spiel in my head. I wanted to tell her what an inspirational woman I think she is, how much I feel like she is saying all the things I think and how I believe that what she is doing to make a difference in the world by making people think about how to conduct themselves. Obviously, when it came to it I faltered and made a tit of myself by just saying something generic and lame like: "I really enjoyed the show, it really uplifted me...."

So I shall use this little platform with which to gush instead!

Long is notorious for her extreme "lefty" political views and her condemnation of the hideousness that is Brexit, and even though she is not alone on this standpoint I just felt like the way she put it all across was like a breath of fresh air. The title of the show, Something Better, was explained to the audience with an amusing anecdote from a past Edinburgh Fringe Festival whereby two people could be discussing which acts they were going to see - "I'm off to see a middle aged, middle class man talk about how difficult his privileged life is because he has to pay back his car loan, how about you?" "I'm going to watch 'Something Better, catch you in a bit'. This was obviously very amusing in itself, but to me the title of the show (which was displayed in banner form along with other handmade banners that were displayed in a style of a political campaign) represented what Long is striving for and driving towards - a society and a situation that we can all exist within that is better than the shit-show we seem to have ended up with currently.

Often politics is a sore subject, and given the current climate I would say that Long had her work cut out for her in terms achieving what she set out to do. However, last night's show most definitely provided the audience with a fresh and positive outlook on the current climate. By sharing her experiences in an honest, provocative and challenging manner, Long had the audience captivated with her statements and witty repertoire of criticism of those who chose to Brexit and all the ideologies that go along with doing so. It really was laugh a minute stuff that I certainly found really relatable.

I also enjoyed the fact that she called out those who criticise and scrutinize women in their 30's who have not yet settled down, got married, had kids, sorted out a mortgage and tied themselves into the dreaded car loan. I personally believe that this is something innately wrong with the way in which women are viewed and treated as a result of an impossible standards that exists within our culture. The fact that she stands up for women who, heaven forbid, have other priorities and dreams in their lives just made me feel a little bit of outside pressure lift.

Josie Long is a unique performer who isn't afraid to say those things that many of us wouldn't dare voice for fear of losing face. She is a celebration of what it is to be a young women living in the UK and her open minded, open hearted viewpoints were so refreshing and interesting to listen to and laugh along with.

A show that will stick with you, bring you comfort and an uplifted outlook on what could easily be dismissed as a bleak and unchangeable state of affairs. Things are looking pretty scary in the world of politics in 2017 but if more people took this approach of actually putting themselves out there in whatever form they can to try and make a positive difference then who knows what excellent things could be round the corner.

10/10