Jen Wakefield: Girl in Da Corner

• Craig Angus
• 8 August 2017

A promising show from a bright talent with a proud heritage

Jen Wakefield's Girl in Da Corner brings together character comedy and slam poetry in a novel show that finds a way to stand out. It's a very slick and accomplished 45 minutes that positively bristles with the sort of energy you wouldn't expect from a lunchtime slot.

The premise is that Wakefield is making the shift from a career in teaching to one in broadcasting and performance. For that broadcasting move, she must decide what label she fits best, and what her USP is. It's not a simple question for this girl of Anglo-Indian descent, but the journey she takes us on to find out is a pleasure to be part of. This is a show of excellent diversity; with cultural stamps that include the grime revival, the Vengaboys and The Inbetweeners.

Wakefield takes in playground politics, encounters with casting directors and social 'misunderstandings' as she explores her place in Britain today. Following her scripted material with conviction, when she steps out in the audience to mingle mid-set you feel you're watching a natural. If there is a message to be taken, it's that we should be defined in the way we choose, not how others fleetingly decide. 'Jack of all races, master of none' is Wakefield's own conclusion. Nobody puts Jen in a corner.

Laughing Horse @ The Cellar Monkey, until 27 Aug (not 13, 20), 1.15pm, free.