While call centres are certainly no stranger to the routines of stand-ups, it is a rarity to find someone from the other side of the fence. But in the charming little backroom of Finnegan’s Wake, Sadia Azmat is parting with all the trade secrets from her time as a call centre operative for a well-known car insurance firm. While there was a threat of the subject matter being too commonplace, Azmat’s in-depth knowledge excludes her from that criticism. We learn about her good-hearted crusade to prevent customers from being ripped off, ending in ultimate acrimony, driving her into the arms of the comedy beast. There is a certain raw nature to this show and Azmat loses her usual composure when some jokes don’t play as well as others. Her self-deprecating, somewhat world-weary style twinned with a set littered with guerrilla punchlines ensure an enjoyable, if fleeting time, the show running at only 20 minutes long. Given that this is part of PBH’s Free Fringe, the low impact of this show on the wallet secures it a generous star rating. Indeed, while there are some unpolished elements to this show, it is worth a brief lunchtime sojourn to kick off your Fringe day.

Reviewer:
William Summerlin

William Summerlin has written 17 reviews for Broadway Baby since joining the team in 2011.