Sue Perkins' Eternal Shame Tour: A Blend of Humour and Vulnerability
Sue Perkins makes a much-anticipated return to live comedy with her show, The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins, promising audiences a peek behind the polished facade of her public persona. After decades in the spotlight, particularly as a beloved Bake Off star, Perkins sets out to reveal the humiliated individual beneath, much like unwrapping the layers of a Russian doll. However, the delivery is more nuanced than the title suggests, offering a mix of perky anecdotes and selective intimacies that entertain while keeping some cards close to her chest.
A Show of Two Halves: From Light Tales to Deeper Revelations
The performance is notably stronger in its second half, where it adheres more closely to the theme of shame and allows glimpses into Perkins' brisk exterior. The first act opens with her expressing shame over being middle-aged and weary in an industry obsessed with youth, yet the stories that follow often stray from this premise. She recounts an amusing but inconclusive tale about local drug dealers cloning her car registration, and a heartwarming, if prideful, story of rescuing a wounded puppy in Bolivia—neither of which directly tackle the promised theme of shame.
Perkins excels at spinning lively comic yarns, often embellishing them with vivid details of her own ineptitude. For instance, she shares a bilious account of a drug-addled trip to a South American shaman for a television project, complete with sobs and dry heaves. Another standout routine, reminiscent of Dave Gorman's style, humorously obsesses over the statistical odds of being bummed by a Dyson, showcasing her ability to turn even mundane topics like vacuum cleaners into comedy gold.
The Heart of the Show: A Striking Personal Breakdown
Away from the glitz of showbiz, the most impactful segment of the show delves into Perkins' personal struggles. She recounts a breakdown a decade ago, triggered by a benign tumour on her pituitary gland, which she describes as a posh One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest experience. This passage strips away her protective layers, offering a raw and meaningful glimpse into her vulnerability, contrasting sharply with the jaunty, skin-deep self-abasement that dominates much of the performance.
While the rest of the show is entertaining, filled with witty tales of professional and personal mishaps, it is this moment of genuine revelation that leaves a lasting impression. Perkins proves she can balance humour with heartfelt honesty, making The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins a compelling watch for fans and newcomers alike.
The tour continues, with upcoming dates including Leeds Playhouse on 6 February, promising more nights of laughter and insight from this seasoned comedian.
