On the 15th of September, 2023, I attended Rosie Jones’s first UK comedy tour at the Redditch Palace Theatre, which is, funnily enough, located in Redditch. Calling herself a “Triple Threat”. This is also the show’s title, Rosie explains the reason for this description is that she is “A lesbian, disabled and a prick.” This line is delivered with comedy, as is to be expected, but also with a self-satisfied grin that says she knows she has already shocked some people in the audience.
Ableist slurs!
Throughout the show, she uses ableist slurs to significant comedic effect. This surprised me as I thought it would annoy me rather than amuse me because I disagreed with her use of the now-famous R-word in her latest Channel 4 documentary.
Unlike that instance, which I’m convinced was used to gain attention and generate intelligent and not-so-intelligent debate, these words were funny, thought-provoking and a not-so-subtle metaphorical finger to anyone who has flung these words at her in public. She’s proud of being gay, she makes a living from being disabled, and she’s so proud of being a prick she’s had it printed on her merchandise!
Rosie on the property ladder
Alongside those points, she talked the audience through her first flat purchase, explaining that she’d finally found a use for her dad. The experience also taught her that the age of a boiler is essential to know when you’re a successful comedian taking your first steps on the property ladder. Rosie also talked at great length about her struggles to become a national treasure, her hatred of Putin and how we would all, at some point, not understand a word of what she was saying.
This was the only point where you could see sadness from the otherwise joyful Rosie. As a disabled person and a person with Cerebral Palsy, I related to what she was saying and could identify with her moment of pain. Some people will only see difference, no matter what is achieved in life.
Lived Experience
Many people identify with Rosie’s comedy, and while you don’t have to be gay or disabled to appreciate her comedy, I wonder whether the non-disabled person without a connection to either group would be entertained. Shared lived experience is what got the biggest laughs out of me. I’m sure, given time, Rosie will achieve the ‘national treasure’ status she’s openly aiming for.
Your thoughts?
Have you seen Rosie live? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
