Isobel Jacob
What would have happened if Scotland had successfully colonised Panama?
And how do you dispose of one thousand dead ants?
Hailing from Livingston, Scotland, Eva Peroni is charismatic and candid in this surprisingly comedy hour loosely following her move to Costa Rica aged 17, prompted by a spliff-fuelled rebellious phase and an obsession with boys. Through an unexpected performance of witty anecdotes and punny observational comedy, Peroni walks us through her unexpected coming out story, the trials and tribulations of attending an unconventional college in in Central America and her revealing experiences as a Scot attending the University of Edinburgh. We get to hear about her weird and wonderful father, and even experience an incredible dolphin impression… this political and inventive stand-up show is not to be missed.
Peroni is a charming stage presence; she has the audience on side from the moment she speaks into the microphone, and the hour flies by in a blur of at-times baffling, but always entertaining, jokes that draw on her queerness and Scottishness to interrogate the fine line between patriotism and nationalism. The framing of the relocation to Costa Rica is effective in drawing out these themes, and learning about her socialist (and criminal?) upbringing is funny and fascinating. She bars no holds as she hits back at zionists and transphobes alike.
Occasionally Peroni’s callbacks become repetitive, and I wonder if this would have been slicker and neater as a shorter show. On the other hand, Peroni has us in the palm of her hand when it comes to her quick retorts and pithy connections.
An amusing and thoroughly enjoyable stand-up special by a promising young comedian who will no doubt go far.
Eva Peroni: Jungled is on at Gilded Balloon Teviot until 30 August at 16:40 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Freddie Haberfellner
Hannah Hamilton
Lola Rose Wood
