On the screen, a vienetta, standing beside it is Sooz Kempner, enthusiastically hopping up and down, eagerly welcoming in her audience. All her life Sooz has been mocked for her appearance and her show Sooz Kempner is Ugly is her way of reclaiming this label in an hour of ironic self-flagellation.
Kempner’s show is at its best when she is pointing to her presentation, analysing the hate comments she receives online or yassifying the only existing image of her great grandmother. Kempner’s ability to poke fun at herself is, at times, side-splittingly funny and her act is well paced, only slowed down by the numerous technical issues that plagued the venue’s lighting and sound – although this did seem to add to the atmosphere of the show.
Holding the show back is an extended Elon Musk impression which sounds more like Gru from Despicable Me. Even though Kempner acknowledges the impression’s lacking likeness, admitted poor execution is still poor execution.
Interrogating modern beauty standards and her relationship to them, Kempner puts on an entertaining and enthusiastic show that is certainly worth its asking price of nothing.
Sooz Kempner is Ugly, Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, until 24 Aug, 4.15pm