Little Lark of London

It’s difficult to remain positive while the world seems to be breaking down around you, but that’s exactly what Harriet Kemsley: Everything Always Works Out For Me is about. Guided by the wise words of  “Guru Dave,” Kemsley tells the audience stories about what has happened in the past year of her life and how she is working to remain optimistic.

We begin with quite the hilarious story of Kemsley being on Mastermind focusing on the subject of sloths. Why sloths? Well, according to Kemsley, she was told to pick something that she liked, and the creatures are one of those things – she just didn’t expect to have to know everything about them! And this is just the start of moments in Kemsley’s life that you can’t help but laugh along with her even as things aren’t going her way. Another story involves getting on the wrong ferry to the Isle of Wight for a gig, which leads to her not being allowed to wander around and explore the island like the other comedians at the show.

Kemsley has some great stage presence, sometimes making it feel as though you are sitting at a table with her, sipping tea and catching up after a crazy year. In fact, one of the first things she does is ask the audience if anyone has seen her previous show, quickly declaring that her marriage she discussed in it has not worked out and she is now divorced. There is a little bit of crowd work, including a few moments shared with an audience member who has gone through two divorces and then a couple who met on a dating website before it was “cool” to be on dating apps. 

There is a frantic energy to her as she attempts to remain positive even as things seem to fall apart around her. There are, as one comes to expect from a stand-up show at this point, some darker moments, as Kemsley discusses her worries about how her divorce will affect her daughter and the life that little Mabel will have. Another moment has Kemsley telling the audience about how she has been depicted in another comedian’s best-selling book, including her cheating ex claiming she is bad at sex (which leads to an interesting conversation with her ex-husband!). But, even with tough subject matters, Kemsley manages to keep things light enough that the audience is able to laugh at the end of each story, as she always makes a joke or adds a fun twist to the story.

Ultimately, Harriet Kemsley: Everything Always Works Out For Me is a fun hour of comedy based on tragic events from Kemsley’s life. While others would complain about the cards they’ve been dealt, Kemsley has made a show that will entertain others and bring a little joy into the lives of audiences. Even though it seems like the world is ending around us, it’s good to know that there are people who will always look on the bright side of things and try to make the world a little funnier. 

Harriet Kemsley: Everything Always Works Out For Me ran from 25 to 27 November at Soho Theatre. For more information, click here.