Esther Manito brings her latest show to The Stand Comedy Club in Newcastle on the afternoon of Saturday 29th November, boldly titled Slagbomb.
Following the success of last year’s Hell Hath No Fury tour, Manito returns to the stage with plenty of momentum – and plenty to say – diving into the chaotic reality of middle-aged life and the often-demeaning ennui that accompanies it.
She explores these themes from a distinctly gendered perspective. While some might see this as evoking the comedy stylings of the 2010s, it’s precisely this viewpoint that feels urgent today, given the current backlash against diversity and the increasingly fragile state of social progress.
Manito’s no-holds-barred style is on full display here. Her reflections on juggling children, ageing parents, and the crushing weight of unmet expectations are delivered with fearless honesty, balanced by a joyful embrace of having “absolutely no dignity”. A series of sharply delivered anecdotes showcases her strong narrative ability, punchy gag-writing, and knack for finding comedy gold in everyday chaos.
Her Lebanese heritage also plays a significant role in the show. These nuanced facets of identity bring fresh perspectives to the UK comedy scene, helping ensure that stand-up remains a dynamic and diverse art form – far from the risk of becoming a homogenised echo chamber.
Crucially, Manito’s on-stage toolkit is what elevates her performance. She blends a panoramic view of societal issues with deeply personal experience, creating comedy that is at once relatable, challenging, and captivating. This duality – able to speak directly to some while disarming others =- is one of the strengths of the UK’s stand-up scene today. British audiences, more than many elsewhere, remain open to taking chances on comics outside their usual sphere.
That’s good news for a performer like Manito, who weaves stories with insight, sharpens punchlines with precision, and approaches identity politics with fearless authenticity. Her ability to navigate complex territory while keeping the room laughing proves she’s more than up to the challenge.
Slagbomb promises an afternoon of raw, razor-sharp comedy with substance and style, delivered by a comic whose voice continues to grow louder, bolder, and more vital with every tour.
Tickets, priced at £17.00 in advance, are available from thestand.co.uk.
