★★★★
Engineering your show around your audiences reaction to it is a very risky move. A risk that Eryn Tett takes without hesitation, as her daily hour of surreal one-liners and data collection makes for one of the most original shows at this years fringe.
It is seen as taboo to even indulge the idea of questioning reviewers, of calling out audience members for their reaction, and, done without a great deal of precision and care, could make for a painful experience. Luckily Eryn finds her biting point quickly, allowing for the audience to be on an equal footing, there are no put-downs here, no insult comedy that usually makes terrified punters allergic to the front row.
Tett says being autistic informed her approach to the show. ‘I conduct all my interactions in a very intensely ‘non-neurotypical’/neutrally direct way and finding connections beyond the conformist norm.’ She has explained. It is certainly true that Eryn is authentic in her approach, and the strongest reaction from the audience comes from other autistic and neurodiverse people. It was heartening to see a visibly disabled audience being themselves; wearing ear-defenders stimming freely and howling with abandon.
Eryn is a comedian totally at ease with herself, genuinely not playing to the crowd, but inviting them in, unshaken when audience members criticise her, but seeing it for the directness it is. Even if you don’t care for one-liners and punning humour, the concept of the show is so inspired it is worth going to, perhaps more than once.
Eryn Tett Finds Her Audience Just the Tonic at The Tron 17:00 (1hr) Aug 4-14, 16-28 (PWYW) 18+
