A sensationally silly sprawl of alternative character comedy from a clown on the rise.
Batilda Bigbum is the worst thing a fourteen-year-old medieval maiden can be. Unwed! And her options are looking seriously thin on the ground. Should she give a glance/chance to the Glaswegian Galahad? Or a Liam-Gallagher-esque Lancelot with a penchant for toxic male traits? Sigh. On the verge of giving up, she soon goes in search of heaven-sent salvation at her local convent. But it seems that even the son of the almighty has a thang for ethical-non-monogamy. What’s a woman/wench/witch to do?
Bebe Cave is an accomplished character comedian, offering a constant stream of witty, well-rounded characters in this, her second solo hour. Of particular joy, droopy-boobed Bathsheba, our heroine’s mother, who is as ballsy as she is brash. And the ladies of the convent, each as distinct as they are divine – no mean feat in such a jam-packed solo show. It can often be a little confusing when one person plays so many roles, but there’s none of this to be seen with Christbride. There’s real artistry and clarity in the accents, the attention to detail, the costumes, the set and the lighting. Cave has created a real, full world here, which is so delightfully immersive for those watching.
This reviewer likes her comedy on the weird side, but as a storyteller herself, is also fond of a proper narrative arc. Ahem. Thankfully Christbride delivers on this in spades. From the debutante ball to the convent, Cave serves storytelling with a side of daft antics – the very best combo.
There’s a sense that the show could do with just a smidge of a godly oversight. The odd moment where the plot rambles a little, there’s heavy reliance on tech, or a character introduced who may not have been needed. Cave is so charming that these moments are all delivered with flourish and style, so this is but a minor quibble. She’s exceptionally funny, so we’re solidly on her side for any rambling madness that ensues.
Christbride is sensationally silly, ever-so-cheering and a much needed injection of joy for these grey winter months. Cave has been much-lauded recently, and for very good reason. This is only her second solo show, and if her early works are this good, we can’t wait to see what’s next.
All hail alternative comedy, long may it reign.
Reviewed on 22 February 2026.
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