In Sara Pascoe vs History, British comedian Sara Pascoe does not necessarily take on history but cleverly uses certain significant moments to shed light on relevant social issues. Proudly feminist in her intellectual pursuit, Pascoe is really something else.
From sperm selection to great romances, Pascoe paints a comedic journey that encompasses female sexuality and monogamy. She recites fascinating scientific discoveries and links them to her own social life and relationship with her partner. She cheekily compares being on QI to motherhood, and unabashedly compares the hair found on female genitalia with male faces. Pascoe’s amusing topics are wide-ranging and seemingly arbitrary, so it might take a while for the narrative to set in. Yet, it all seamlessly comes together in Pascoe’s satisfying finish — an arrestingly delicious mix of historical facts and tales of modern love.
While self-deprecating humour has become far too common among today’s comedians, Pascoe uses it as tool for positive affirmation. A typical comic would critically point out a certain weakness as a way to display one’s ‘loser’ status for laughs, but unexpectedly, Pascoe gleefully announces her flaws as a means for human connection. She excitedly relates innate emotions of selfishness or jealousy as something very primal, linked to our ancestors’ methods of survival. It is an utterly refreshing and exciting way to look at these blemishes as being part of human nature, rather than being solely about incompetence.
Furthermore, it is riveting to see a comic aim for more than just mere laughs. Pascoe informs, illuminates and dispel prejudices; she seeks to educate and unite an audience, which might seem unusual for a comedy show, but at the same time, it makes perfect sense. For example, she mentions Marie Bonaparte, the great grandniece of Napoleon, who worked closely with Freud and uncovered some tantalising insight into female stimulation. Pascoe points out how her findings form a plausible explanation to the existence of small-breasted women till today. It is certainly preposterous and alarming but Pascoe’s plain-speaking nature makes it seem weirdly sensible.
Drawing from scientific reasoning and contemporary social elements, Pascoe’s forthright factual delivery makes for a captivating performance. It quickly becomes clear that Sara Pascoe vs History is a creative avenue for Pascoe to work out the complex, chaotic mechanisms of human nature in modern civilisation. Frank, warm and reassuring, Pascoe is a true delight.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Sara Pascoe vs History
Sara Pascoe
Melbourne Town Hall
March 26 – April 19
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
www.comedyfestival.com.au
March 25 – April 19
