★★★
Barbara has always wanted to be a stand-up comedian. And now in her sixth decade she’s been living her dream. Her show isn’t just stand-up, but in fact a one-woman cabaret extravaganza that covers her life story, her mental health and her awesome body positivity.
What’s so clever about Fernandez’s show is that it plays out unlike anything else I’ve ever seen. We get a constant stream of song parodies; everything from Amy Winehouse to Miley Cyrus put through her acerbic wit. Each a few lines that really punctuate the narrative. Fernandez has an incredible voice, and it’s a joy to hear, a real powerhouse. Barbara is likeable, she feels totally on the side of the audience. In a climate where stand-ups can feel hostile or mocking, Fernandez makes a very safe space.
Her humour might not be for everybody, it’s dark, it’s direct and some of it very on the nose. The overall energy of the show is greater than the sum of its parts.
The message of her Borderline Personality diagnosis was incredibly moving and important. She cares and advocates with great sensitivity, her song about those who didn’t ‘climb out of hell up a ladder that’s also on fire’, is a fitting tribute.
Whilst the show has some disjointed moments, there is so much potential in Barbara’s act. I’d love to see her with a house band, letting rip, and telling naughty stories in-between, it’s a role she’s born for.
Barbara Fernandez: Singing, Sagging and Shagging is on at Bar 50 – Upstairs until the 25th August
This glowing review reads like at least a 4-star show to me. Seems like you really rate it, but took stars away because you wanted it to be bigger and more Broadway/big band (at the Free Festival)?
It was rated for 3-stars for many reasons.