The Lion, The Bitch and The Wardrobe
Comedy
by Sharon Mahoney
Casa Mondo
Review by Amy Thomasson

As Sharon Mahoney half-struggles and half-saunters on stage, clad in an ostentatious blonde wig and a glorified tinfoil space suit, the crowd knows they’re in for a good time. Tackling mental health issues isn’t an easy thing to do in a comedy show, but Mahoney manages it by using metaphors, analogies and larger-than-life alter-egos to depict her own battles with the lion that she refers to as an “existential metaphor” for her anxiety.

Mahoney’s Dr Phil-esque character is by far the stand out of her performance, altruistically encouraging the audience not to let their biggest fears get the better of them whilst still maintaining the endearingly satirical quality that Mahoney is renowned for. From a mock battle with a lion hand puppet to ass touching to flawlessly portraying the ultimate Canadian stereotype, Sharon’s show has it all. Clearly an experienced performer, Mahoney transitions seamlessly between her bizarre, eccentric alter egos, leaving the audience with the distinct impression she’s not holding anything back.

Some of the jokes in The Lion, the Bitch and the Wardrobe do fall a little flat, mainly because the show is incredibly well-rehearsed, leaving Mahoney little room for improvisation based on the audience’s energy and reactions. For the most part, however, Mahoney’s content is engaging, humble and at times, unapologetically feminist.

A touching, honest and skillfully-crafted comedy show, The Lion, the Bitch and the Wardrobe is a must-see for anyone wanting to fight their inner demons, or lion as the case may be, and have a bit of a laugh along the way.

The Lion, the Bitch and the Wardrobe runs until the 17th February. Tickets can be purchased here.