Sue Perkins' comedy set 'The Eternal Shame' promises a raw look at her public persona's façade but ultimately falls short of delivering the promised self-abasement.
Despite 30 years of entertaining the nation in "Bake Off", Perkins attempts to strip away her polished on-screen presence, instead opting for anecdotes that feel disconnected from the theme. Her first act tackles middle-age shame, but this is a brief aside, soon followed by unrelated stories about cloning car registrations and rescuing a wounded pup.
While Perkins' storytelling skills are undeniable, it seems she prioritizes lighthearted banter over genuine vulnerability. Instead of delving deeper into her insecurities, the comedian peppers her set with comedic anecdotes that mock her own ineptitude – think exaggerated tales of binge-watching TV and obsessing over statistical odds.
However, there is a glimmer of hope in Perkins' exploration of a more personal struggle: a decade-long battle with a benign pituitary tumour that left her feeling like she'd been transported to a posh version of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". This poignant passage offers a rare glimpse into the real Sue Perkins, one stripped of protective layers and offering an unvarnished look at her inner turmoil.
If only more moments like these could be found in 'The Eternal Shame', this set might truly live up to its promise. As it stands, Perkins' comedy feels more like polished entertainment than a genuine exploration of shame and vulnerability – but perhaps there's hope that future performances will delve deeper into the complexities of her public persona.
Despite 30 years of entertaining the nation in "Bake Off", Perkins attempts to strip away her polished on-screen presence, instead opting for anecdotes that feel disconnected from the theme. Her first act tackles middle-age shame, but this is a brief aside, soon followed by unrelated stories about cloning car registrations and rescuing a wounded pup.
While Perkins' storytelling skills are undeniable, it seems she prioritizes lighthearted banter over genuine vulnerability. Instead of delving deeper into her insecurities, the comedian peppers her set with comedic anecdotes that mock her own ineptitude – think exaggerated tales of binge-watching TV and obsessing over statistical odds.
However, there is a glimmer of hope in Perkins' exploration of a more personal struggle: a decade-long battle with a benign pituitary tumour that left her feeling like she'd been transported to a posh version of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". This poignant passage offers a rare glimpse into the real Sue Perkins, one stripped of protective layers and offering an unvarnished look at her inner turmoil.
If only more moments like these could be found in 'The Eternal Shame', this set might truly live up to its promise. As it stands, Perkins' comedy feels more like polished entertainment than a genuine exploration of shame and vulnerability – but perhaps there's hope that future performances will delve deeper into the complexities of her public persona.