Edinburgh Fringe is built on moments of pure spontaneity, and my encounter with this show was exactly that. I was handed a flyer by Glaswegian comic Kathleen Hughes, promoting TWIG – her work-in-progress exploration of family, legacy, and, as she puts it, “why she’s like this.” Billed with “self-assuredness, confidence, charm and whip-smart wit… an incredibly funny woman”, I was curious to see what she’d deliver.
The venue itself was lovely, and Kathleen opened her set with a slightly tentative start. That said, there were moments of pure comedic gold scattered throughout. Not everything flowed seamlessly – but given that this is a work-in-progress piece, that’s entirely understandable.
Her strongest material shone when she delved into her family history. These segments felt warm, relatable, and unexpectedly educational, striking a nice balance between laughs and storytelling. At times, she seemed to hold back from pushing certain jokes further – perhaps a touch more confidence could turn those moments into show highlights. She did admit to having social anxiety, which made her openness all the more endearing.
You should see TWIG because Kathleen Hughes delivers comedy with heart, weaving personal family history into sharp, relatable humour that lingers after the laughter. Even in its work-in-progress form, the show offers an honest, refreshing take on life, identity, and the quirks that make us who we are. Kathleen’s warm Glaswegian charm and candid style make you feel like you’re swapping stories with a friend – one who just happens to have impeccable timing and a knack for finding the funny in the everyday.
Kathleen Hughes is certainly worth catching. TWIG offers charming, naturally funny moments without relying heavily on audience participation. While it’s not yet a polished show, it’s brimming with potential and unfair to give a star rating. Once fully developed, I can easily see it landing in the four- to five-star range.
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/kathleen-hughes-twig-wip
