Felicity Ward's Unflinching Comedy about Mental Illness

Felicity Ward takes the stage with unflinching humor, sharing her struggles with anxiety and depression, and her attempts to tame them. She recounts her experiences with panic attacks, self-sabotaging thoughts, and a four-times-an-hour toilet habit, all while maintaining a sharp and upbeat tone. Ward's confident delivery and rapid-fire pace make this set a standout, even with some minor missteps, like a corny section on the German accent. Overall, her comedy is in "rude comic health."

Key Takeaways:

• Felicity Ward's new set recounts her experiences with anxiety and depression, including panic attacks and self-sabotaging thoughts.
• Ward's comedy is marked by a rapid-fire pace and confident delivery, making it a standout in the Edinburgh festival.
• She addresses her mental health issues with humor, including her four-times-an-hour toilet habit and hankering for Domino's pizza.
• Ward's set includes routines about ferris wheels, adult contemporary rock, and internal monologue.
• While some sections, like the corny German accent bit, feel like flagrant padding, the majority of the set is strong and well-executed.
• Ward's comedy covers topics often stigmatized, such as mental illness, with sensitivity and self-mockery.
• The set's confident tone and pace make it a notable performance in the Edinburgh festival.

Statistics:

• 31 August: the last day of Felicity Ward's set at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh.
• 0131-556 6550: the box office number for tickets to Ward's set.
• Four times an hour: the frequency of Ward's toilet trips.
• 20 minutes: the strong opening section of Ward's set.

Sources:

• Review by Brian Logan, *The Guardian*.