“It’s a love letter to the importance of acceptance, self-discovery and unconditional support”
BY IONE GILDROY, IMAGE BY JENNIFER FORWARD-HAYTER
My Eyes Are Up Here proves that Sarah Keyworth is a standout stand-up. It’s a show that sensitively combines humour, heart, and personal insight, which leaves the audience both laughing and feeling moved. As soon as they step on stage, Sarah wins what is quite a hot and tired audience over with effortless charm and goofy, relatable humour.
The show touches on a few topics, but mainly focuses on Sarah’s journey through gender-affirming top surgery, a subject they approach with a light touch and which feels accessible to an audience who doesn’t necessarily know a vast amount about it. Sarah really focuses on the joy and the support they received while navigating the surgery, which makes for some really touching stories. Sarah’s comedic talents lie in their ability to weave these experiences into beautifully crafted stories which, combined with callbacks and their quirky sense of humour, keep the audience engaged and laughing throughout.
Despite the more serious themes, Sarah keeps the tone of the show quite upbeat, with hilarious observations about ADHD, family dynamics, and the logistics of a friend’s lesbian foursome… The lightness of these moments only enhances the emotional depth of the show, particularly as Sarah delves into their relationship with their family. The love and support they receive is a common thread through the show, culminating in a touching and heartfelt ending that almost brought a tear to my eye.
My Eyes Are Up Here is more than just a comedy show – it’s a love letter to the importance of acceptance, self-discovery and unconditional support. Sarah’s natural wit and warmth shine through, making this performance an unforgettable and heartwarming experience.
Sarah Keyworth: My Eyes Are Up Here is at Monkey Barrel Comedy until 25 August at 1.25pm.
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