Review of comic's biggest gig yet, in her home town

One of Maisie Adam’s routines in Whatsherface revolves around best-man speeches, which she likens to stand-up sets performed under demanding circumstances by blokes with no experience, training or aptitude for what’s required. It’s a parallel she draws after watching the confidence drain from one crestfallen chap the minute his opening gambit crashed.

The section serves as a reminder that even the most conversational sort of live comedy is harder than it appears – and highly relevant given how very easy Adam makes it look. The chatty air as she shares what’s going on in her life feels like this is not a performance at all.

That tone is set in the first half, comprising entirely crowd work – what many audiences demand or expect these days. Adam keeps things buoyant through a few uneventful exchanges about people’s jobs, before establishing some successful running jokes – notably with the bossy organiser right at the very back of the circle. 

Her gig in front of 1,500-plus fans at Brighton Dome concert hall is, incidentally, the biggest of her career – and in her adopted home town, too. She always seems happy to be on stage, and given these circumstances she’s positively giddy with pride. It proves Taskmaster’s still got pulling power, and maybe Last One Laughing UK, too.

The second half is her scripted hour, updating us on her life in the two years since the start of her last tour. She’s spent almost half that time back living with her parents at the age of 32 as work is done bringing the shabby property she and her husband have been able to afford up to scratch.

Almost as soon as she crossed the threshold, Adam returned to the child-parent dynamic with her mother, who hasn’t the least understanding how a stand-up career works. Mum also can’t do subtle, is wildly forgetful, and has plenty of quirks – especially when it comes to mug storage – that provides ample grist for Adam’s mill.

They’re amusing, relatable anecdotes with a good sense of what’s funny – but fairly superficial. There’s no killer routine that you’ll be talking about for days, but she’s great company, and the routines are full of warmth. Even when she’s taking the mickey, it’s broadly affectionate – and more often than not aimed at herself. 

It’s easy to see why her unpretentious likability and free-flowing quick-wittedness have made her in demand on TV shows – and indeed by Asda. Another life landmark is that her Yorkshire tones have become the voice of the supermarket.

As she describes the set-up of the voiceover recordings, it’s very Toast Of London, but less absurd, while the observation of whizzing through the t&cs is generic, even if it comes from saying them rather than hearing them. But like all her routines it has an authenticity you can’t knock, and that’s the appeal.

• Maisie ​Adam: Whatsherface is on tour until March. Maisie ​Adam tour dates.

Review date: 26 Oct 2026
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Brighton Dome