Mary Bourke: Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary
Live Review

There are so many beautifully crafted turns of phrase in Mary Bourke's show that there really should be a massive queue jostling to get into this tiny, out-of-the way room.

As she notes at the top of the show, and the reason for the 'contrary' of the title, this isn't what comics usually do for a Fringe show. There's no catharsis, no sentimental journey or revelations, just pure stand-up. And she delivers.

She's performed on the circuit for more than a dozen years and the experience shows. Bourke's utterly composed on stage, performing with a relaxed delivery, and the soft sing-song of her Irish lilt contrasts nicely with her punchy and somewhat acerbic material.

Indeed the hour is a mixture of the poetic and the acidic. She punctuates the pomposity of the Mumsnet website with list of unreasonable demands on the Albanian nanny with the refrain 'am I being unreasonable?', reading like feisty performance poetry. Elsewhere Metro's poll of the most inspiring woman is cut through with a sardonic edge highlighting the vacuous nature of media, and there's a similarly sarcastic deconstruction of Dan Brown's incredibly clunky prose.

Bourke has the uncanny ability to draw you into to her world and on to her side, there's a lovely gossipy piece about a young American comedian with whom Bourke gigged in Dublin who has with a lot to learn about comedy, and history and geography too.

Hers is a no-nonsense approach. She'll stand no messing, as three fellas, who were obviously not committed to the show, found out. Unfortunately it happens a lot in free shows, because the lack of financial investments means some punters seem to think it's OK to drift in and out. Sensing that they weren't entirely happy Bourke asked them to leave, which they duly did. Despite noting how awkward that had made the gig and that she had to win around the audience again, she didn't really have to, she had us on side already.

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Have just returned from seeing Mary at the Artrix in Bromsgrove. I am so shocked to see negative comments about her comedy! All I can say to the people writing them is that if they have no humour, do not go to a comedy night! She is a fantastic comedian, I laughed so much. Her humour is clever and her sarcastic wit is superb ! Would highly recommend her!

Claire, September 2012

Saw Mary at The Stand last night. Had the audience howling, especially with the 'I have another shoe' joke. Also the tweet or delete section. Wearing my badge with pride. You must see this at the Fringe if you can

Andy Brown, August 2012

Had the unfortunate event of having to sit through 10 minutes of this woman's so-called 'comedy' act. Let's just say a funeral would have been more fun. Felt like I was sitting in a classroom being taught by a nun with a ruler in her hand waiting to slap you if you spoke without permission. Absolutely not funny and her attitude was appalling. To think I spent ten euros to relive my awful school days again!

Dolores McEntire, April 2012

Just extraordinarily talented and funny. Go see!

Mandy Allan, November 2011

Saw Mary at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. The funniest act there. Had the whole audience howling with laughter. Why is this very talented woman not on television?

Thomas McGrath, August 2011

Saw a fabulous act at the Street in Edinburgh, Mary can certainly raise a smile and we would go see her againVery entertaining and very funny :)

Stevie Reid, August 2011

Saw mary at the Street in Edinburgh. Crap venue but great show.Went back to see her a second time. Very witty great fun even with a harf-assed audience in the afternoon.

Ian cameron, August 2011

Saw her last night and she was superb - she covered a variety of subjects but each and everyone had the audience roaring with laughter - I can't wait to see her again and am surprised by the amount of negative comments here about her.

Alex Finch, May 2010

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