Sharon Booth has Turner Syndrome. Through her first festival show, Dude, Where’s My Chromosome?, Sharon hopes to raise awareness about the condition through humour as well as raise some money to aid research and support.
Sharon was quite successful in bringing levity to such a serious topic through use of gentle self deprecation, witty comments about the facts and some wonderful silliness. Visual aids were at a minimum due to the tiny stage upon which she stood, but she was able to convey the information almost exclusively through words with the odd bit of character work. Doing so, she kept us hanging on every word. There was a painless amount of audience interaction with her game “Dude, Where’s My Chromosome?” which was an excuse to make some funny pop culture references in relation to the question.
In presenting a topic that not many people are aware of, the material was obviously heavy in facts and figures. Sharon managed to prevent it from being a lecture through not only her spin on some of the facts but her admission that the source on these details be be taken with some degree of salt (as is the accuracy of the web!). Her lighthearted approach to the delivery put us at ease so that we could laugh as well as learn.
Being so early in the season nerves affected her delivery somewhat. She wasn’t as confident as she usually is during her shorter stand up spots and is sure to gain it as the run continues. She seemed to relax more during her numerous asides, indicating that the topic may still be slightly difficult to talk about. This had the effect of emphasizing the highly personal nature of the performance making it all the more powerful.
This show is worthwhile attending. When she can combat her nerves, Sharon is a performer who has the ability keep you smiling and laughing while enlightening the public.
Visit the comedy festival website for bookings and further details