★ ★ ★ ★
Sharp, smart and full of wit.
Before we even see Saturday Night Live writer Anna Drezen, one of many US comics performing at this year's festival, her debut hour opens with news footage of women attending serial killer Ted Bundy’s trial. I know what you're thinking, that doesn't immediately scream comedy show does it?
But as Anna takes to the stage and confesses her love for True Crime - a love she knows she shares with many other women - the reason for the clip starts to become clear. It illustrates that this current trend of women in particular being fascinated by True Crime has always been there.
It's this fascination with true crime which drives Anna's narrative as she masterfully fills the hour with tales of her mother sending her the obituaries of murdered women who look like her, her RADA training which involved learning how to use a sword and an unexpected incident which happened whilst on holiday with a friend.
Taking inspiration from all good True Crime podcasts, there are sponsorship breaks throughout the show which could interrupt the flow of the narrative, but they definitely don't. Perfectly placed, written and delivered these adverts are where Anna's writing ability really shines through. The scripts are sharp, succinct and very very funny and ready-made sketches for television.
They arrive when things get a little tense, when Anna is on the verge of a traumatic revelation - mainly to avoid playing into the "sad-part" trend so evident at the Fringe - and nothing says ice-breaker quite like an ad for a serial killer doll house. No really, that's one of them.
Other highlights include a brilliant owl routine and the best explanation for not drinking I've ever heard/seen - told through mime across the dinner table.
Okay Get Home Safe!! is sharp, smart and full of wit. The hour is well-structured with a satisfying conclusion and as introductions go, Anna could not have pitched her UK debut any better. She's likeable, self-deprecating, relatable and very funny.
She might be performing in a small attic now, but I can't see that being the case next time. With word-of-mouth continuing to spread, her show continuing to sell out every day and currently no tickets left for her next four performances, I'd book yourself a ticket right away to avoid disappointment.
So relish the opportunity to watch Anna perform in such an intimate setting - or hostage situation if you were to ask her - because I'm predicting big things for her future.
Anna Drezen: Okay Get Home Safe!! runs until 25th August (not 14th) at 4.30pm at the Pleasance Courtyard (The Attic). Book tickets here.
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