Hannah Gadsby is angry.

Hannah is tired of protecting us from tension, awkward silence and couching pain with laughter.

So she should be.

Like many women, Gadsby has endured suffering throughout her life at the hands of men. Rape, assault and abuse both verbal and emotional all because of her existence. Because of choices beyond her control. Because she is Hannah.  Hannah the young girl realising her sexuality in an era where homophobia ran rife.  Hannah the teenager in the nightclub called a 'poofter' for talking to a girl. Hannah the woman who works and performs in a male dominated arena, where being heckled (seriously, even in 2017 people think heckling is entertaining—it really, REALLY is not) is the norm both from audience members mansplaining their unwanted opinions to the boys club of the entertainment industry.

This show is the emotional roller coaster in which Gadsby takes us along a journey to understand her reasons for quitting comedy. How after the white knuckle ride we arrive and breathe a collective sigh of relief and find ourselves agreeing with her on her decision.

And of course! There is Nanette, the namesake of the show and your barista for the day! Nanette reminds you not to judge anything or anyone by their cover. Also, Nanette is a cool name for a comedy show.Nanette is both hilarious and heartbreaking. I cried both tears of joy and absolute devastation, and have thought about the show and it's content for days after I walked out of the auditorium. With moments where you could actually hear a pin drop to the walls collapsing around you from the swell of uproarious laughter. Nanette is a show not to be missed.

As Gadsby is now done with stand up all I can offer is: if there is any way shape or form for you to see this show, I recommend you do. It's thought provoking, hard hitting and just brilliant.

Gadsby performed as part of the Brisbane Comedy Festival 2017 hosted by The Powerhouse. The festival will run until the end of March.

 Justine Hansberry