Ashley Gavin: My Therapist is Dying

As a fan of both of Ashley’s podcasts I was excited to see her have a show at the fringe. I know she recently did a European tour and bemoaned the restrained nature of British audiences then. Given that, I wonder if the choice to come to the fringe was influenced by her watching of the Netflix hit “Baby Reindeer” which I know she enjoyed… or perhaps she simply likes a challenge?

Having seen a number of American comedians struggle at the Fringe I wasn’t surprised that she seemed a little disappointed with us but from my perspective the show went well, people were laughing, I had a good time.

As a solo watcher I had been ushered into the front row to fill the space as is often the case at the Fringe and was instantly anxious, both because it's exciting to be at the front for someone you’re a fan of and also because I know I’m not a big laugher. As much as I was genuinely enjoying myself I fear my “rictus grin” as I tried to inform my face of my inner feelings may have been a little off-putting.

The most difficult part of the show for me was how Ashley kept telling us it was going terribly! It would never have struck me as anything but a solid performance had she not insisted otherwise.

The core narrative of the show was very moving, but again I think we were expected to cry and our response was underwhelming for her. I guess us British are just emotionally stunted… or we’re so accustomed to pondering the crimes of our ancestors that it's hard to shed a tear for anything less than genocide. Who knows?

Overall, a good show but I wish I hadn’t left feeling like one of my parents was both angry AND disappointed with me. Although I must acknowledge the skill in feeling like you as a comedian are “bombing” (she wasn’t) and turning it around to make THE AUDIENCE feel bad. Know your worth girl. Very demure. Very mindful.

Have to admit, I was a little nervous about attending this as an anxious autistic person having seen Ashley’s commanding crowd work online. Was also worried whether a show featuring death and cancer would be too triggering.

I’m happy to report that this was a nuanced and skilled show. Ashley is fantastic and nuanced. She’s skilled at creating tension and relieving it in all the right ways. I’ve never seen her live and it was a welcoming and thought provoking show.

Yes, there are dark themes but the bits that landed most successfully were the ones that spoke to her true experiences. I really felt like Ashley was allowing us to get to know her.

Sold out status definitely deserved

This is such an excellent show, so hilariously funny but also very thoughtful and vulnerable. Ashley is a brilliant and very skilled comedian! I would definitely recommend this show! 10/10!

Equal parts funny and introspective, a quality show.

I saw Ashley Gavin earlier this week and I was blown away. A perfect balance between comedy and moving life stories that had me howling with laughter and reflecting on my own experiences.

Having seen Ashley live, she exceeds the expectations I had, as an online follower, and my only complaint was that the show didn't last longer!

Ashley is hilarious, this is well known if you've seen a clip of her anywhere. This show is hilarious, but I wasn't expecting to cry as much as I did (not a complaint, it was well earned). Bring a water bottle, it's a hot room, but see this show!

I’ve seen Ashley in NYC and couldn’t wait to see her here. OMFG! What a show! She was funny, honest, emotional, dirty (not too much). I laughed and I cried, it was a beautiful journey. So much more than I expected. Wow, just wow.
Go see her!

I came to this show with my daughter with very little idea as to who Ashley was and was blown away. Being the sole man in the front row (my daughters choice!) I received some ‘special attention’ but it was all good natured and enjoyable. While Ashley is a brilliant comedian and storyteller she also explored very personal and difficult periods from her past with great sensitivity, interspersed with humour. (Some of it dark). A very engaging comedian and the best show I’ve seen this year. 5 STARS!

Truly a best show contender, Ashley pulls no punches when it comes to roasting her family, her audience or herself. A really impressive tightrope between emotional arc and jokes per minute, I'd followed her on social media for a long time but this show really blew my socks off.

I knew Ashley Gavin’s comedic genius from social media and I’m an absolute fan of her crowdwork! Going into this show, despite the title, I expected more of this kind of crowdwork and raunchy topics (well, there’s some for sure!) but was pleasantly surprised to discover new depth in “My therapist is dying”. I went from laughter to tears, to both and had a fabulous time.

Ashley is meticulous and the timing of her jokes immaculate. The set up might take time in the beginning - as we get to know her better, but boy do the punchlines deliver!

Besides the comedy, the heavy topics and anxious attachment of those who love “too much” felt extremely real and relatable. A dramedic act I had not expected but thoroughly welcomed.

One regret: I had to rush to another show and didn’t get to meet her properly.. Till next time!

I'd give this 3 stars. It's in no way bad, made me laugh a few times and is quite touching in parts. The "c" word is used a lot, and I don't mean cancer (although that comes up too) - I'm not a prude, but I imagine this set might go over with more impact somewhere that isn't the UK or Australia, where that word carries more weight. The audience did not seem to respond to the comic repeatedly talking up the quality of their own jokes either.