Gulbenkian

Description

Fresh from winning a Fringe Media Network Award at the Edinburgh Festival, ‘wobbly’ comedian, Francesca Martinez, brings her hit show to the Gulbenkian! What happens when you're branded ‘abnormal', in a world obsessed with normality? This show is Francesca's defiant, insightful and fascinating answer...

Intrigued by the power that a six-letter word has over so many people, Francesca shares her own life-changing journey of growing up as ‘abnormal’, being rescued from High-School-Hell by ‘Grange Hill’, letting Ricky Gervais take the piss out of her walk in 'Extras' and working out what to say to the BBC after being offered the role of a, ahem, vegetable. Whatever body you’re born into, it seems that most people share the universal desire to be ‘normal’. This show is for anyone who’s ever struggled to fit in, felt ‘different’ or wondered what the **** normal means? Apart from a cycle on a washing machine, of course.

"Hilarious and deeply moving... By the end of the hour, everyone is a little bit wobbly, rocking back and forth in their seats, some choking back tears at an exquisitely judged final flourish that proves she is not only one of the best performers on the circuit but also a writer of rare candour." 5 STARS Metro

 “Am I giving Francesca Martinez 5/5 because she earned it through hilarity and pathos? Or am I giving it through PC wankery because she's the CP disabled comic? If you're asking then you've never seen Francesca perform. And you have no idea how close to perfection this show and this woman actually are.... a faultless stand up show. Immaculate timing...  No holes, no flat spots. Near genius use of crowd participation.... Francesca holds the perfect stand-up show whilst sitting down. Her arms flail, she reigns them in, brushes her hands through her cropped hair. Lowers her beautiful eyes... perfect stand-up”  
5 Stars Rhum Melbourne

"Insightful, sometimes touching and always funny... Truly a show for everyone'
4.5 Stars Melbourne Age

"Wonderfully challenging... brilliantly busts myths about normality"
4 Stars The Scotsman

"Excellent... uplifting, engaging and refreshingly different"
4 Stars Broadway Baby

“A thought-provoking piece that is profound and touching as well as laugh-out-loud funny... her most sure-footed set yet... her ideas have extra charm, wit and focus... She also writes excellent poems. Two examples... are delightful highlights...  with this well-honed, honest hour she has struck gold again.”
4 Stars London Evening Standard

"A compelling comedian...her show is insightful and packed with laughs. Powerful enough to make me laugh and cry"
4 Stars Fringe Guru

"Hard-hitting as it is caustically funny... powerful... an altogether inspiring lesson"
The List

“One of the circuit's most brilliant comedians”
The Observer

Tickets:
Full £12
GulbCard £10

Suitable for 15+