The understatedly distinctive Caitriona Dowden doesn’t yet wield the consistent gut-punch hilarity that sets great stand-ups apart. But she’s got a beautifully idiosyncratic way of seeing the world, some decidedly specialist preoccupations and the potential to draw bigger audiences. That her show title alludes to the 1518 dancing plague of Strasbourg offers some indication of her esoteric interests. Yet she capably introduces this weird historical phenomenon, relating it to her own, late-flourishing confidence at being more herself.
The use of flightless animals in aviation; divining election results from entrails and what can only be described as hardcore roleplaying humour, these sit snugly with her evolving exploration of her sexuality, the legacy of her religious upbringing and even her sharing of an intimate medical issue, all facilitated by sharp, knowledgeable writing. Meanwhile, the deployment of a rudimentary cardboard prop to become an obscure character, tickling the crowd while making lecturely philosophical points, may not have the crazed edge of a performer like Simon Munnery. But it’s not too far from the same hermetic commitment. And you suspect that the mainstream Australian comedy venues that once seemed baffled by her as an uncertain rookie act would be rather more embracing now.
Caitriona Dowden: Dance Like Everyone’s Dancing, PBH free Fringe, until 24 Aug, 2.10pm