Finnish comedian Kaisa Pylkkänen is a warm and personable character who engages with her audience without forcing uncomfortable interactions. Her stand-up is both funny and thoughtful, touching on her personal experiences of growing up in a middle-class family with a punk outlook and her experiences of religion.
There’s a sprinkling of observational jokes about class, and the influence of her Christian upbringing, as well as the Freudian philosophy that she grew up with – the show’s title gives a nod to Freud’s belief that ‘knowledge resides in the penis’.
We particularly enjoyed her observations about the invisibility of middle-aged women, and her clever riffing on the difference between men’s and women’s fears.
And, although some of her stories play on Finnish societal and cultural norms, she keeps her jokes relatable, highlighting the universality of topics such as the identity crises many of us feel at certain points in our lives.
Pylkkänen’s show also incorporates a whistlestop tour through current events, artfully weaving a serious thread through the laughter.
The most thought-provoking parts for us were her thoughts on feminism, mansplaining and men ‘always knowing best’ – delivered with a twist which makes you laugh then think about what has been said.
Pylkkänen also riffs on a traditional Catholic wedding, cleverly weaving in a critique of Catholicism while telling a blisteringly funny tale with some cracking audience participation. She’s a funny and engaging storyteller who’s adept at bringing her audience along for the ride.
Her show ends with amusing yet thoughtful remarks on masculinity, and the straight white man, climaxing with a touching and very funny anecdote about her father’s death.
Kaisa Pylkkänen is an engrossing comedian who has created a thoughtful and funny show, encompassing current affairs and a unique viewpoint of what it means to be female. No penis required to enjoy it!
By Cecilia Dell’Orbo
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