Brighton Centre – 28th February 2025
Katherine Ryan strutted into the Brighton Centre, armed with her signature razor-sharp wit, and delivered an evening packed with brutal truths, relatable anecdotes and outrageous punchlines.
The first act kicked off with her no-nonsense approach to relationships, men and parenthood. She’s been doing this long enough to know exactly where to push the boundaries and when to pull back just enough to keep the audience on side.
Even when dissecting what she sees as men’s greatest shortcomings, she does it with such charm and playfulness that it gets the whole crowd cackling.
Motherhood was next on the chopping block and she didn’t hold back. As a mum of three, she’s got the experience to back up her savage observations. Her comparison of hobbies, including her husband’s leisurely five-hour golf trips versus her own fleeting moments of solitude in the bathroom, had the audience in stitches.
One of the biggest laughs of the evening was for her response to what the golf course has that she doesn’t: “18 holes.” Classic Katherine Ryan, filthy and fabulous.
Katherine also took on the Russell Brand controversy with an honest and ferociously funny takedown. When Ryan is serious, she’s still funny but she’s also commanding, making the audience hang on her every word.
The second half saw her lean into audience interaction, reading out text messages from members of the audience. Subjects ranged from cheating boyfriends to bisexual dilemmas to whether a man should prioritise his mum or his girlfriend financially.
Katherine’s advice was hilarious and often surprisingly kind and empowering, though never without a ruthless punchline to wrap it up.
With Battleaxe, Katherine Ryan proves she’s still at the top of her game. She’s sharp, unfiltered and effortlessly in control of the stage. If you’re easily offended, maybe sit this one out. But for those who like their comedy bold, brash and bitingly brilliant, she’s delivering exactly what you came for.
Katherine Ryan Battleaxe review – 5 stars
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