Davina Bentley’s debut Edinburgh Fringe show, Dancing While Old, is at Pleasance Courtyard and draws on her previous job as a lawyer as well as a comic.
Vowing never to get older while talking about it, Dancing While Old does just that. She’s 42 and still has plenty of time to “find her thing”. She’s a sketch star known for her online parodies, racking up millions of social media views.
Bentley is Jewish, and definitely not one of the “posh mums” she might encounter out in the world. She has rich mates, knows lawyers hate culture, and adores her nieces.
When an audience member comes up for the ‘Henry VIII’ game, in quiz form – Henry, who didn’t start executing his wives until he was in his 40s – “ruff” jokes become the order of the day.
It is a very assured debut from a performer who is sure of her material. Although 42 isn’t particularly old, it is the point at which your mind starts to fog a bit, your ability to give birth declines, and your dreams start to feel unachievable.
Bentley knows this as she looks at her older sister, a surgeon, and married friends – while musing on why Gen Z women often hide their boyfriend from social media. Is this about making your own personality about you, or about the other person you are with?
An hour of just stand-up with no video, props, or swearing is refreshing in itself. No F bombs from Davina Bentley, although she is frank about sex, orgasms, penises, and polygamy.
And then there’s the ‘face card’ issue. Time travels, and women over 40 become invisible. It’s a realistic observation. And it is a funny one.
3.5 stars for this. It’s good, but I’d like a bit more of the relatable and less of the Royal.
Davina Bentley: Dancing While Old is part of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe until 30 Aug.