Grace Hatchell Investigates: Is Crime the New Self-Care?
You’ve tried the gym, mindfulness apps, and whispering affirmations into your latte, and somehow, walking home alone at night still feels like a calculated risk. If you’re Alice Frick, the answer isn’t self-help—it’s crime.
In her bold and unfiltered new stand-up show Live Like a Criminal, award-winning comedian Alice Frick takes aim at the exhausting reality of women’s safety. From outfit anxiety to making homemade pepper spray, Alice eventually lands on the idea that maybe a life of crime is the only route to feeling in control. And, somewhere along the way, she accidentally ends up with a real criminal record.
Preview: 21 July, 6:30pm at Phoenix Arts Club, London
Fringe Run: 31 July – 24 August, 5:45pm at Dragonfly, Laughing Horse
(Note: No shows on 4, 6, 7, 11, 18 August)
What’s the show about?
Alice takes the audience through her lived experiences with fear, survival, and the strange rituals women are taught to feel safe. The result is part stand-up, part social critique, and entirely engaging. Beneath the laughs lies a sharp exploration of sexism, policing, and the absurdity of expecting individuals to prevent systemic violence.
The message is clear: when society fails to protect us, it’s no wonder people start making their own rules.
Why this show matters
This is fearless, deeply relatable comedy that tackles difficult questions with wit and intelligence. It’s angry and funny, sharp and tender. If you’ve ever changed your route home or faked a phone call to avoid attention, this show will speak to you—and it won’t pull its punches.
About Alice Frick
Originally from Austria and now based in London, Alice is the creator of The Anti Self-Help Show (now also a published book), the web series What the Frick, and co-writer/producer of the multi-award-winning feature film Shop of Little Pleasures. She also runs Laughing Labia, a monthly comedy night at the Phoenix Arts Club.
Final Thoughts from Grace
And let me say this loud and clear: Theatre Village is proudly standing behind women at this year’s Fringe. We’re championing the bold, the brilliant, and the bloody fed up — and Alice Frick fits that bill to a T. Live Like a Criminal isn’t just comedy, it’s resistance wrapped in laughter. At a time when women are still being told to “stay safe” rather than demanding the world change around them, voices like Alice’s are more vital than ever. This isn’t just a show. It’s part of the fight — and we’re all in.
Live Like a Criminal is comedy with backbone. Alice Frick exposes the twisted logic of modern safety culture, all while keeping the room laughing—and thinking. See it while you can. And if you’re wondering whether she’ll end up on a watchlist after this run… she probably already is.
Live Like a Criminal | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
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