There are numerous perplexing cases of successful acts that failed to win over the comedy award judges at the Edinburgh Fringe. Michael McIntyre never picked up a nomination for Best Show. Nor did Micky Flanagan. Chloe Petts needs to be added to this list.
![[Olga Koch Comes From Money at the Soho Theatre review: honesty, charm and punchy wit]](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/12/05/10/57/OK-2-(Credit-Rachel-Sherlock).JPG?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
While the Kent-born comedian has been overlooked by juries, discerning stand-up fans clearly disagree. Petts has just announced extra shows at the Soho Theatre in June due to demand. If you can get a ticket for How You See Me, How You Don't snap it up before they all disappear.
![[Kemah Bob at Soho Theatre review: confident, charismatic, and very very funny]](https://static.standard.co.uk/2021/05/18/08/Kemah%20Bob%201.jpg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
I should clarify, however, that Petts is different to McIntyre and Flanagan. Still accessible and innately entertaining, but more thought-provoking. She identifies as a butch lesbian, although if the mood takes her she says she also answers to sheepdog.
![[Emma Sidi is Sue Gray at Soho Theatre review: Taskmaster star delivers absurdist portrait of Labour's ex-chief of staff]](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/10/31/10/35/EMMA-SIDI-280224-Emma-Sidi0816-HI-RES-COPYRIGHT-MATT-STRONGE.jpeg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Her latest show is about tackling trolls – and not, as she briskly underlines, the type that you stick your pencil into. After landing her own Sky Sports morning slot this football obsessive made the foolish mistake of glancing at social media. There she saw endless personal attacks – criticism of everything from her clothes to the size of her hands – because in her baggy trousers and chunky shoes she didn't conform to the female sports presenter norm.
She tells her story with both lightness of touch and total command of the room. Apart from having a compelling tale to tell she is also extremely skilled at crowdwork. Whether gently mocking overconfident latecomers or complimenting someone on their unusual laugh ("nice snort") she is effortlessly quick off the mark, filling the room with waves of laughter.
