“This is a show that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining”
BY IONE GILDROY, IMAGES PROVIDED
Hannah Platt: Defence Mechanism is a remarkably assured and powerful debut, showcasing her sharp wit and comedic ability. Tackling the complexities of body dysmorphia, mental health, and queerness, Hannah navigates deeply personal territory with a blend of honesty and humour that keeps the audience engaged and interested from start to finish.
What’s most impressive is how confident and polished Hannah seems to be on stage, especially for a debut performance. She’s quick, smart and a whole lot of fun. Her ability to transform her struggles into punchy, affecting comedy is brilliant. Despite the heavy themes, Hannah maintains a balanced tone, never letting the material become too dark or overwhelming, and managing to keep it really engaging. The audience never feels too uncomfortable or like they shouldn’t be having a good time. Her humour is raw and self-deprecating, yet always retains a sense of dignity and self-awareness.
Hannah’s performance is not just about laughs; it’s a deeply human exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the complicated relationship one has with their own mind. Her narrative is candid and relatable. This is a show that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, and it firmly establishes Hannah as a comedian to watch. If you want to be able to say you saw a famous comedian in a tiny room at the Fringe, I advise you to snap up a ticket for Hannah Platt now as she is undoubtedly a star on the rise.
Hannah Platt: Defence Mechanism is at Pleasance Courtyard until 25 August at 8.10 pm.
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