It says something about the scale of Dolly Parton’s influence (whether you’re a fan of country music or not, and I’m definitely not) that a standup comedy show at the Fringe begins with a sincere tribute to her because of her recent death.
Segueing back into the planned comedy material, Emma Doran’s conversational style of storytelling put the audience at ease very quickly. Sit in the front row if you want. You’re not going to be asked your name, where you come from and why ‘the f—‘ you picked this show out of the many, many shows across Edinburgh. The stresses and strains of blended family life come to the fore: a recollection about meeting her ex-partner’s new significant other seemed very relatable to quite a few people in the audience.
Asking the audience if we knew what was meant by what the Irish call “riding” (I did – I learnt the term from watching Normal People in lockdown), Emma – such was the informality and rapport with the audience that it’s first-name terms here – was at it, so to speak, early enough to become a teenage mother. Tales about her own stereotypically stern Irish mother were also a source of much comedy gold. Some of it was irrational, but resulting (at least on my part) more bemusement than amusement: having had a downstairs toilet fitted, Emma’s mother was seething that her father had dared to use the conveniences on Christmas Day. The story itself wasn’t particularly funny, but the recollection of Emma’s mother’s rage, rooted in irrationality, had the audience laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
Her now grown-up daughter and her boyfriend ‘never’ go out, much to Emma’s annoyance – though I’m not sure whether that’s because they’re as boring as Emma says they are or if, in this economy, as one social media post recently put it, “Outside… is expensive”. The show came across as somewhat unstructured, but in the end a good time was had. Just like a blended family dinner at Christmas, I would imagine. A warm and engaging performance.
Review by Chris Omaweng
There is no such thing as a perfect family but Emma Doran wouldn’t want one anyway. in Emmaculate, the many trials and tribulations of Emma’s blended family are laid bare, womanhood examined and relationships put to the test in this witty, rambunctious show from one of Ireland’s most beloved stand-ups. Jam-packed with razor-sharp observations, riotous on-stage antics and conspiratorial gossipmongering.
EMMA DORAN: EMMACULATE
Pleasance Courtyard at the Edinburgh Fringe, 5 to 30 August 2026
Touring from 20 September 2026 to 3 April 2027, including London Palladium on 7 February 2027
