Alexander Bennett: Housewives’ Favourite

Waverley Bar (Venue 438)

This may be one of the most important shows on the Fringe. After we have been warmed up with material about other shows, warned that the show will get dark, promised “one cute joke”, and laughed our way through talk of assorted sexual exploits, the hierarchy of shit comedy, the drawbacks of technology and how Alexander discovered his “type”, we get a tale of emotional and physical abuse the likes of which you will not hear elsewhere.

We have been with him through VR porn, The Flintstones and a laughing Alexa when the bomb drops. At one point, having revealed some of the violence of the relationship, Bennett powerfully, poignantly contradicts that familiar phrase, howling: “We are not afraid you are going to laugh at us.” It is a heartstopping moment.

This is a courageous and thought-provoking exposure of a hidden darkness. There is optional hugging in the show, if you have a heart you will not be able to stop yourself.

Run ended.