Content warning: discussions of miscarriage
★★★★
Comedian Thanyia Moore returns to the Fringe for the first time since her debut in 2022 with her newest show August. It’s a deeply personal show centred around the miscarriage she had, which forced her to cancel her run and return to London for treatment. Determined not to let down herself or her producers, who had spent a lot of money on accommodation and other costs, she comes back to Edinburgh to perform, vlog her experiences, and eat chocolate crepes (a clear sign of grief, she says: she doesn’t even like chocolate). She poured her emotions into her shows, resulting in some of the best performances she’d ever done, and her first standing ovation.
“Don’t worry, I’ve had therapy! I’m all good,” laughing, she addresses an audience member in the front row who looks shocked to hear about her miscarriage. Humour is a key coping mechanism for her, something she addresses during the show. She knew she was going to write a show about her experiences when she first went to the hospital, and describes this as “the comedian’s curse”, where comedians use any bad event that happens as material. When she is on the ward, she realises that the curse is actually a blessing: it helps her stay strong and find the small glimmers of humour in the situation.
Moore is candidly honest, explaining in detail how she felt disconnected from her partner, and blocked her friends and family because she didn’t want them checking on her constantly. She expresses gratitude to the NHS staff, who were so kind to her, giving her all the advice she needed to hear. At first, she was a bit surprised to see the receptionists smiling, joking that she wanted to move up to Scotland because our staff are friendlier.
Her views of the Fringe are particularly funny, due to how relatable they are. She describes the Fringe as a drug: addictive and expensive, which most would struggle to argue with. She also sees the Fringe as the Olympics of comedy, a particularly effective metaphor showing the sacrifices she has made to get there and how important it is for her to finish her run.
Moore is darkly funny, and she discusses the miscarriage in a very matter-of-fact way. It’s not a sad performance, but I found my eyes prickling with tears thinking about her bravery and determination (don’t tell her I said that, though, she might block us too!). Moore is a joy to watch, and a comedian I would definitely recommend seeing.
Thanyia Moore: August will be performed at Pleasance Courtyard – Upstairs until 24 August as part of Edinburgh Fringe.
Words by Ellen Leslie
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