From the start, Lucy Beaumont transports the audience of her new show, from the Pleasance Courtyard to a small and cosy venue in Hebden Bridge. Beaumont begins by assigning various audience members the names and personalities of characters from the small village. Throughout the show, she calls back to these villagers, which provides some insight into many of themes of her show.
Although the show is called Space Mam, the alien hook plays only a minor part in the show. There are various props strewn across the stage, but ultimately these are just placed to add a bit of random ambience. Instead, the show revolves more around Beaumont’s own experiences since the last time she’s performed in Edinburgh. These mostly consist of living in a small village, raising a two year old, odd anxieties, and how life will be in the future. The bulk of her routine will resonate with any audience, although some of the act may be funnier to someone from the North of England or to new parents. That being said, the general charm and pace of her routine ensures that she doesn’t leave audiences behind for too long. In particular, Beaumont comes across so genuine in her bewilderment, often starting out with ‘I know,’ before the punch line is delivered.
Although most of her observations would not be considered ground-breaking or too different from other comedians at the festival, Beaumont’s talent and comedic timing does enough to make this hour unique. Her skill as a natural storyteller, coupled with the small village feel, brings home the feeling that you’ve walked into an unfamiliar community, and their funniest resident is holding court.