Clara Sunset
Some questions are too big for simple answers. And yet, Lubna Kerr plays with ideas of identity with effortless ease. Was there ever a time before identity crisis? Guided by her empathetic understanding of human curiosity, Kerr folds and unfolds this question in an imaginative mix of storytelling, character-acting, and comedy.
At this point of her creative career, the actor, writer, comedian, and producer knows how to impress audiences with her intellect. Her show balances elegant humour with sharp political precision, directly calling out certain characters, countries, and cultures for their sins, always with the appropriate levels of subtlety (some problematic politicians are perhaps cut less slack). At the same time, Kerr draws on a wealth of cultural references and irresistible personal anecdotes to tickle the audience into laughter, transcending beyond the still all-too-typical and consequently much-mocked question of “Where are you really from?”.
(BIC) Before Identity Crisis begins at the beginning, with Kerr’s early experiences of racism growing up as a Pakistani of Indian descent in Govan, Glasgow, which somehow quickly transforms into questions of how colonialism works and what anyone really got out of it. Despite the show’s title, the comedic collection of stories is as much concerned with what happens after an identity crisis, with a variety of characters clashing in antitheses of crises, sometimes in hilariously wholesome ways.
From her minimalist set-up of an imaginary bus stop, Kerr goes on a quick-witted tour of a variety of topics. The hour passes so quickly it takes a moment to realise that Kerr has somehow managed to quip herself through the cultural alienation of living in different parts of the United Kingdoms and visiting scary, intriguing, and culturally-unsettling places all over the world, not to mention her explorations of girlhood, womanhood, growing older, and what it takes to become a stand-up comedian at a time where other people go through more normal (but also much less entertaining) forms of mid-life crisis.
Kerr’s anecdotes are so touching and compelling that the audience is happy to follow her anywhere, even when they are pushed to the boundaries of their understanding. However, (BIC) Before Identity Crisis is the most convincing when the creative storyteller applies self-critical irony to her own performance of identity. What, in the end, is the role of curiosity, in getting us into (or maybe out of) the state of identity crisis that the world sometimes appears to be stuck in? Kerr may or may not give in to the temptation of turning the show into a Q&A in which she quizzes her own audience. Ultimately, it is fascinating to see the show test the borders of comedy, storytelling, infused with the mildest forms of audience interaction.
As ever, Kerr’s show is high-tier comedy enriched with savoury tastes of political awareness. The only struggle appears to be ending on a definitive; a challenge that might be inherent to thinking about what it means to be. At the same time, Kerr seemingly carries with her beautifully unbounded wisdom – which it will be a joy to join in in future shows.
(BIC) Before Identity Crisis is delicious mocktail of wit that leaves us hungry for more. Smart, sassy, spicy – and bound to sprout laughter.
Recommended Drink: Try something that truly defies categorisation, even it might seem like a risk. I would recommend trying cold-Bru – effectively a combination of espresso and Irn-Bru, optionally topped with cumin for this occasion.
Performances of (BIC) Before Identity Crisis have now concluded at Dundee Fringe 2026.
Salvador Kent
Ellen Leslie
