Sometimes it feels as if the entire London comedy circuit has taken over the Fringe, so it is always exciting to see a newcomer up here from beyond the Circle line. Catherine Cohen comes from much further than that — New York — and she is one of Edinburgh 2019’s freshest thrills.
In The Twist?... She’s Gorgeous, Cohen presents herself as the ultimate cabaret chanteuse, all flowing hair and sequins. But appearances are deceptive.
Suspicions that there is an emotional maelstrom under the surface are swiftly confirmed by the lyrics of her first song: “Boys never wanted to kiss me, so now I do comedy.” Each tune, accompanied by Henry Koperski on keyboard, packs a subversive punch. One is a gleeful account of digging a grave and dumping an ex in it. Another is a catchy number about body fascism.
Her brutally honest chatter is similarly full-on, as she discusses her numerous neuroses at breakneck speed.
There is nobody like Cyclone Cohen in Edinburgh. Probably few like her anywhere. Bette Midler or Sandra Bernhard are the closest touchstones. But this is true in-your-face, one-off stuff.
Hopefully she will be storming it in London soon too.
Until Aug 25 (0131 226 0000, edfringe.com)
