Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Susie Burgess enjoys stand-up comedy, prop-centric skits and an endearingly makeshift shadow puppetry show courtesy of Jessie Cave
Hilariously self-effacing, Jessie Cave’s An Ecstatic Display graced Newcastle’s Dance City with an hour of stand-up comedy, prop-centric skits and endearingly makeshift shadow puppetry. A one-woman show, with enough personalities to fill the hall, Cave’s nuanced take on the female experience cultivated a deeply personal connection to her audience. Each anecdote was performed with rich characterisation, offering a candid retrospect that was entirely unique to Cave whilst still managing to touch on the female experience.
Manoeuvring humour artfully throughout her performance, Cave’s quick-witted commentary held glimpses of a millennial Bridget Jones as she commandeered the stage. She didn’t hold back from offering observations most might shy from, indulging the freedom of sharing her emotionally charged life. Although discussing intensely personal topics, such as her brother’s passing, or the infidelity of her partner, Cave didn’t alienate the relationship she built with her audience, rather inviting us along for the ride.
Switching up styles, and admittedly offering up a bit of everything, Cave utilised puppetry, monologues and even a brief dance segment. Joking with the audience, any mishaps with forgotten lines or misplaced puppetry were quickly brushed over to comedic effect. Cave’s knockout personality managed to linger beyond the event, living up to the promise of delivering An Ecstatic Display.
