The woman standing in the queue to The Box Assembly Venue with a plant pot over her head appeared to not hold any shame. But when she stood up to the mic, her own voice as the critic inside her head motivated Kate Dolan to begin her show with the energy and excitement that the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 Best Independent Show Winner is adapting into her signature style.
The show began with the voice modulator warping her voice into the voice of the critic – the narrator in her head that she attempts to subdue throughout the performance. Talking about her experience at the Fringe, comedic commentary on her relationships and her body, and inquiry into the best method to silence the brain before sleep, Dolan’s show proved to be one to look forward to.
Although technical errors and misarticulation of jokes thwarted the true potential of The Critic, the rest of the Fringe Festival provides an opportunity to tie the loose ends. Through it all, Dolan kept dancing, communicating with the audience on the humour of things going astray, and stayed on track to the purpose of her show.
It is a very authentic performance of insecurity and comedy performing a dance that unfortunately entails a few blunders. However, with Dolan’s extroverted demeanour, she is sure to keep audiences laughing and engaged throughout. I would recommend to anyone who simply wants a laugh with the girls – Kate Dolan.
Kate Dolan: The Critic is running until 24 August at The Box at Assembly George Square
Buy tickets here.
Image courtesy of Luke Darcy, provided to The Student as press