Sharon Wanjohi review: Sparkling debut from your new favourite wellness guru
Edinburgh Fringe
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Edinburgh Fringe 〰️
Image: Rebecca Need-Menear
by Zoe Paskett
It doesn’t matter what she says, I’m on board with Sharon Wanjohi’s advice. I’m buying the self help book, dynamic pricing and all. I’m signing up for the seminars and following her book tour. Merch? Send it my way!
The name of Sharon’s debut show In The House is also the title of this book, though I’m on board with every one of the alternative titles her publishers vetoed. Through snappy chapter readings, fast-paced jokes and occasional and very welcome bursts into song, she pokes fun at the ridiculous solutions we are supposed to have to problems that are WAY bigger than we can cope with.
Sharon’s tips for wellness are different from those you’ll hear about on podcasts with CEOs. There’s no getting up early – in fact, don’t admit to this shameful fact at the Fringe of ALL places, as yells and retching sounds fill the entire room when one audience member admits to getting up at 5:40am to exercise. Honestly, eurgh.
What’s the point though in getting up at 6am to do a little run around the park when it costs on average £1.2million to buy a house (stats unverified)? Is that going to make you feel better about giving a house deposit’s amount of money to a landlord every few years until you die? Do you want some protein powder with that?
No, Sharon’s tips are much more usable e.g. drink so much water to stave off your anxiety that you nearly piss yourself, scientology, bring back fortune tellers…
It’s brilliant seeing a full hour from Sharon having watched her perform at comedy nights – she’s always unfailingly sparkly, she picks up the entire room within seconds of walking on stage and is one of those comedians with such natural ability and infectious energy that you could just listen to her talk for hours. Thankfully, this show has plenty to say.
Among all of this, there is a call to arms to rally against the younger generation’s aversion to being viewed as cringe. In the face of everything that’s happening in the world, there’s really no point in being worried if people think you’re embarrassing yourself – lean into being cringe. That’s where the good stuff is. Screw supplements, this is the kind of wellness advice I’m looking for.
Sharon Wanjohi: In the House is at Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 2) at 18:55. Tickets here
