We sent our reviewer Martin to watch Jess Fuchs: Feral

Jess Fuchs, pronounced Forks(?), is hilarious. As I write this, my cheeks hurt from laughing. Do I think everyone will get Jess? No. But that fact doesn’t detract from Jess – I only think less of those who don’t find her funny.

Jess’ material is equal parts self aggrandising and self deprecating but not self absorbed, unless for comedic effect. This is a comedian who knows themselves and is keen for us to know them too. The show starts with a sort of disclaimer, insisting there is no judgement. And for the most part, Jess makes good on her declaration. Of course she mentioned her friends and family and medical professionals and audience members who fell a little short of Jess’ standards- thankfully as her observations were hilarious. 

The audience interaction is strong! Jess kept joking about getting back to her script, but actually, really made me chuckle as she responded to the room. At one point the ceiling crumbled a little and Jess brought it into her show. She literally brought the roof down. I don’t think Jess knows how enjoyable she was to watch. Or perhaps, she’s a five star act being watched by a three star audience. I could tell the room was loving it, but her usual audiences might be louder. Jess seemed to be giving us a star rating as the show progressed and as I realised her comedic genius, I mostly only wanted to impress her back. 

Throughout the show Jess tells stories, weaving anecdotes through a main journey of a trip abroad. She brought the whole audience along every step of the way. And with each twist and turn, each jerk away from the story and toward another, we were putty in her hands. Although there was no ‘deeper meaning’ message at the end, Jess’ beliefs are peppered throughout the show. I didn’t need a neat little moral at the end of the story, the laughter is the point and it’s plentiful.

Topics covered include being single, child free, women in stem, Titanic museums, mental health, parental relationships and theories about gay men and fat women. Despite covering so many bases, everything feels so naturally Jess. It’s hard to feel so at ease in a falling apart basement space in a boiling hot day, knowing any moment a skilled comedian could rip you a new one. But Jess insists her vibe is relaxed and encouraged everyone to feel comfortable. A perfect jumping off point for the solid hour of laughter coming your way. I also want to mention the glamour that Jess brings to the genre. So often male comedians wander to a microphone and you’re not quite sure if they’ve wandered off the street. Jess’s dress was chic and voluminous and took the space that Jess so easily demonstrates that she deserves to take up. 

Whether you pronounce her name forks or fux, it’s clear Jess doesn’t give much of a Fuch and thank goodness. She’s one Fuch-ing great comedian and definitely one to see at the fringe and one to follow for the future. The only part of the show that made no sense was the few empty seats.

Rating: ***** 5 stars

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