Being delulu really is the solulu. Sophie Duker has convinced me once again that this is the way to live life.
I got to see Duker perform But Daddy I Love Her at Tap Social last year during the Oxford Comedy Festival as a work in progress, so I was chuffed when she was back with the full show and couldn’t wait to volunteer to review it.
For over an hour, Duker worked the audience - big props to Daddy Laurence - and thawed a pretty timid crowd. It started a bit slow; Duker had her work cut out. With no support act, she used the time to warm us up and set up the main part of the sold-out show.
But Daddy I Love Her has that perfect blend of comedy from a mental health perspective - braving therapy with her estranged dad - along with hilarious snipes at Gen Z, JK Rowling and Keir Starmer.
My favourite part of the show, as it was last year, was when she described her sugar daddy DM experience. Poor Nick; the cost of living crisis really hit him hard and Duker only got a measly £5 for some kombucha.
The bit that got the audience laughing most loudly was her 'Creepy Man' song, sung to the tune of 'Candy Man' - made even more hilarious when Duker kept pointing at the older white males in the audience.
As far as diverse demographics go, it was far better than my recent experience of comedy at Oxford Playhouse, but Oxford still has a long way to go. The queers were out in force, and that played perfectly into the majority of Duker’s stand up routine, but me and my friend were left wondering if half the audience weren’t quite vibing with Duker’s daddy issues.
Regardless, Duker’s style of performing is infectious. From the intonation in her voice to her massive energy on stage, it’s always a pleasure to watch and listen to her talking about being totally and magnificently, delulu.