You don’t often hear comedians urging audiences to talk among themselves, the same way you don’t see bakeries beckoning in seagulls; chaos can ensue. But Amy Matthews has gone through some significant stuff recently, and if she wants a mid-show break on a mythical kids ride, then so be it.
Resplendent in strawberry humbug loungewear – a choice she’ll address along the way – Matthews radiates the confidence of a well-versed comic with a solid show in the back pocket. This one eases us in with some enlightening info about her recently diagnosed Alexithymia – delayed processing of emotions, which she compares to one of those interminable hotel breakfast toasters. The guy she overhears swearing furiously about jam? Oh, to know the thrill of that instant rage.
Toast has several definitions, of course; it’s a raise-your-glasses celebration and a definite ending, both of which are relevant to her turbulent relationship history. Matthews’ two most recent partners were alcoholics, which throws up conflicting emotions, eventually, and a massive life change. All of which could be heavy going, but she furnishes the hour with relatable gags, then a prodigious torrent of callbacks and, to finish, some powerful verses. The whole thing is just beautifully put together. Raise a toast indeed.
Amy Matthews: Definitions of Toast, Monkey Barrel Comedy, until 30 Aug (not 19, 24), 3pm