*** 3 STARS Review date: 14th of August
It’s not every day that your face is sent to millions of TikTok users with the question ‘Is she hot?’ on it. But maybe it takes the madness, tenacity, and unfiltered honesty of the Canadian comedian Jodie Sloan to transform this unfortunate mishap into the opening episode of her stand-up show.
The performance unfolds through a mix of original ukulele songs and PowerPoint readings from Jodie’s childhood diaries; entries written by a pre-teen already dealing with grief and confusion after her parents’ separation.
But the story is also about Jodie now: a 28-year-old woman navigating sex, grief, life abroad, womanhood, and physical insecurities.
As a matter of fact, after that unique TikTok episode in 2023, Jodie found herself facing unexpected notoriety, mainly focused on her appearance and not on her talent. What was meant to be just a silly ukulele song about a guy instead led to an avalanche of comments – especially from men – criticising the way she looks and often making inappropriate requests.
In her show Jodie leans into how the world suddenly began to perceive her: there is anger and frustration towards society, and towards that ‘unbelievable TikTok intern – or at least I hope it was an intern – who decided to send that notification to everyone and ruin my life’, she says, ironically.
Though her songs at the start take on the tone of a self-aware ‘pick-me’ character, with slightly risqué humour, towards the end Jodie flips the narrative. She transforms all the criticism and negativity into her power, turning her insecurities into something to be proud of, like the dimple on her chin and the line on her nose, features she inherited from her mum.
The diary readings are hilarious and arguably the strongest part of the show, filled with pop-culture references and relatable stories of childhood. However, the tonal shift towards the end feels too abrupt.
Jodie takes a moment to explain to the audience the reason behind this sudden shift in tone, which is darker and more emotionally delicate compared to the lighthearted jokes and audacious topics that came before. A more gradual transition would have served the show better, as the abrupt change feels a bit jarring.
Nevertheless, there’s real honesty and vulnerability: Jodie opens up to the audience with her personal and emotional story and, by the end, her expressions of womanhood and female rage make you want to jump up and scream right along with her.
Jodie Sloan: Is She Hot? is at Bunker Three at Pleasance Courtyard until 24th August.
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jodie-sloan-is-she-hot
