Celia Pacquola

3½ Stars

There are a lot of comedians these days who build their shows around the fact they can play the piano. Celia Pacquola has taken a somewhat different approach. Her one-woman show Flying Solo hinges on the fact that she can't.

Structured around her quest to master the 22-second instrumental break from I'm so Excited, Pacquola's show is really about these moments when we fly solo - whether we want to or not. It's a clever conceit given that stand-up comedy is the ultimate solo performance. Plus it provides a spine for Pacquola's anecdotes and jokes, which are arranged around video diary excerpts.

However, there's an invisible wingman propping this solo show. As the anecdotes unfurl, it becomes clear that ultimately the show is about Pacquola's mum Pam. It gives the show a real heart and lends credibility and honesty to the confessional approach. Funny and unexpectedly endearing, in a geeky-big-sis kinda way, Pacquola is the posterchild for the idea that you don't actually have to be a complete dick to be a successful comedian. Her audience interaction is matey and conspiratorial, her stories gawky and self deprecating, and when it comes to the grand finale she's got everyone onside.

Though mining one's embarrassing memories is nothing new to comedy, there's a real warmth and self-awareness to her delivery. Oh and enthusiasm. Did I mention enthusiasm? Because there's lots of enthusiasm. Lots. So however contrived the 'Teach Yourself Piano' concept of the show might initially appear, the audience really can't help themselves being swept along on Pacquola's journey.

Review by: Laura Swinton

Our Guide to 'Celia Pacquola - Flying Solos'