So, the world is ending. Do you: a) have a pathetic cry over your “mid” boyfriend who dumped you moments before, b) have a desperate dance party butchering sad songs over a pitiful bottle of vodka to commemorate it? (accepting that alcohol is really all there is to live for, of course), or c) finally step into some crucial self reflection questioning what the fuck you’ve been doing your whole life?
In Horny for the End of the World, Tatienne Hendricks-Tellefsen manages all of the above.
This stabbingly funny, satirical comedy is easily the most entertaining and enjoyable performance that I have seen at this year’s Fringe so far. Seeing Horny is like indulging in a sweet (and salty) treat that hits the exact right spot when you most need it, or a mandatory Facetime call with your best friend. On welcome, I was told that the front row would be “a lot of fun”, and I actually don’t regret it.
In just 40 minutes, the show unpacks crumbling self-philosophies and phone addiction, all the while ensuring that it remains exceptionally hilarious, with shockers that will keep you on the edge of your seat on look-out for your next laugh.
Tatienne brings her A-game: a simply fantastic, shining performance, a raunchy taste of amusing American comedy that funnily reminds of Miranda Sings (just the character!) with good old-fashioned, classic 2010s humour. Her comedic excellence and expertise has taken her far: all the way from New York to Edinburgh, and such a performance made for refreshing evening entertainment that ended my night off on a smashing note.
Rest assured, there are no boring moments here; Tatienne doesn’t miss any beats.
This kicking show can best be described as bedroom-pop personified, representing the confused (always confused) Gen Z wobble, genre-bending sassy gossip, with one unhinged yet tearfully relatable drama queen bottling it all up in one glittery magic potion that’s ready to explode in all its glory. Get ready — there’s floor time, pink fluff, unwanted exes, a cooler named Jeremy, and all topped off with party balloons to celebrate the damage.
This is pretty spectacular. I highly implore you to treat yourself to this gem and embrace the dazzling cosmic nightmare for yourself. I’ll miss E-beth; I’m even tempted to head back to encounter a second apocalyptic disaster, of my own volition.
My only criticism: it wasn’t horny and long enough.
Horny For the End of the World is running until 22 August (not 10, not 17) at theSpace @ Surgeon’s Hall, Stephenson Theatre.
Buy tickets here.
Image by Shelby Alayne Antel, provided by Tatienne Hendricks-Tellefsen as press material.