Oli Fuller
Kate Butch brings her glorious northern drag to stand up comedy in this excellent hour of laughter.
Kate Butch: A Kate in the Hand is Worth Two in the Butch is a stand-up delight that delves deep into Kate’s life, her wrongdoings and her love of proverbs, with one mission, to become a better person. Stepping away from her previous theatrical storytellings, Kate Butch talks through all of her pettiest moments, her spiteful retaliations and moments of disclosure which could lead to a lawsuit.
Kate is a sharp and captivating storyteller, whose antics feel deeply relatable, and the stories she tells come from a place of the inherent queerness of her lived experience, from coming out and facing bullies, to facing online hate due to her very existence. She is effortlessly funny in a way that feels comfortable, warm and natural, however where this show shone brightest was in her sincerity. She spoke from the heart about the death threats, the detailed descriptions of violence she receives as a queer person in the public eye, she asks the audience, if she were not so open about her queerness, would this still be deserved? Critiquing the societal narrative that has led to the hate she receives and asking the audience, is it really her who needs to become a better person, or society. It is painful and true, beautiful sincerity that sharply cuts through the humour of the piece to make a real and impactful statement about what it means to have a platform as a queer person.
Despite this, the show succeeds in being playful and silly, a true comedic joy with the beauty and grace Kate Butch brings to all of her work. This artistry continues into the design of the piece, with a simple set which brings the stage to life, four bushes spelling out KATE, each rigged with their own light to highlight them in time with the preshow tracks, and, of course, the stunning drag attire Kate brings for every occasion.
This show is a comedic pleasure. It is camp and colourful, while still delving into what it means to exist as a queer person in the modern day.
Recommended Drink: Tea and Biscuits, prepared by your homely northern mother.
Performances of Kate Butch: A Kate in the Hand is Worth Two in the Butch has now concluded at EdFringe 2026.
Eve Miller
