You may know Wally Baram as a Star of the Amazon series Overcompensating or as a writer for Shrinking. She’s now bringing her stand-up comedy performance My Snake’s Quinceañera to the UK.
Through a series of anecdotes, Baram paints a colourful portrait of her Mexican-Syrian upbringing, her chaotic 20s, and of course, her love of snakes; this is a truly unique comedy act. The concept of the show is – oddly enough – exactly what it says on the tin. Baram celebrates the 15th birthday of her real-life pet snake named Jersey Mike (who was sadly not able to be present, but a massive snake plushie with breasts took her place), and in between presenting this snake plushie with quinceañera gifts, such as a tiara, a doll and a “Snake Bible,” hilarious anecdotes are shared. The story of how Baram came to be a “teenage snake breeder” was truly a gift that kept on giving.
Although quite a few American references went over the crowd’s head, rather than letting these moments fall flat, Baram expertly opened a dialogue with the audience, comparing and contrasting references from the US and the UK, so that this barrier essentially became part of the act. The atmosphere in the room was brilliant.
Baram’s stage presence and vulnerability in her comedy was truly refreshing. As someone familiar with her work as an actress, it was wonderful to see what she is truly like as a person – that is, completely eccentric.
Never before has a show that so regularly mentions reptiles been this funny.
My Snake’s Quinceañera ran from 19-21 August at Ace Dome at Pleasance Dome.
Image provided by Show and Tell as press material.
