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Laurie Kilmartin review – Oscars gag-writer unleashes a fierce and filthy talent
Laurie Kilmartin, a comedy writer known for penning jokes for Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O'Brien and the Oscars ceremony, has brought her own stand-up show to Soho theatre in London, marking her UK debut. The Guardian's review finds her material crude, sharp and often mean-spirited, praising her most polished, gag-writer-honed bits while noting the show's loose structure leaves her floundering between disconnected set pieces.
The hour-long set covers ground from school bullies and an abusive swim coach to dating over 50 and US political commentary, with some anecdotes landing as pitch-black highlights and others, such as lockdown material and a Charlie Kirk reference, feeling stale or ill-timed. The reviewer notes Kilmartin seems unpractised with UK audiences, fumbling reference checks and dwelling on the contrast between herself and the crowd, but concludes that her standoffish, unforgiving tone ultimately suits her, making the show funnier as she leans into it.
In short
- Oscars and late-night gag-writer Laurie Kilmartin makes her London stand-up debut.
- Review praises her dark, sharp material but flags a loose, uneven structure.
- She struggles slightly to adapt her US-honed style for UK audiences.
Explained simply
Laurie Kilmartin is an American comedy writer known for creating material for major television personalities and events. She has written jokes for late-night shows hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O'Brien, and has also worked on comedy for the Academy Awards ceremony.
Stand-up comedy is a distinct form from writing jokes for television or other performers. When a professional comedy writer takes to the stage, they are performing material directly to a live audience for extended periods, rather than crafting jokes that others will deliver.
Kilmartin has now brought her stand-up comedy to the UK for the first time, performing at a London theatre. Her career shift from television writer to solo performer highlights how professional comedy writers sometimes choose to test themselves as performers, presenting their own comedic voice directly to audiences.
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