Kirsty Mann’s Skeletons is a masterclass in storytelling, effortlessly balancing laugh-out-loud comedy with deeply poignant moments that linger long after the show ends. With unparalleled comedic timing and a raw, engaging monologue, Mann takes the audience on a journey through the complexities of leading a double life—doctor by day, comedian by night.

Winner of the FRINGE WORLD Comedy Award in 2024, Kirsty Mann returned to Perth this festival for a completely sold-out run! Having been fortunate enough to experience Mann's show for the second time, it is not hard to see why.

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where you omit a mere detail, only to realise weeks, months, or even years later that the omission has snowballed into an unintentional secret? A skeleton in your closet—if you will. Now imagine that secret is an entire profession. Mann explores this premise with razor-sharp wit and an emotional depth that tugs on the heartstrings.

From the moment she greets the audience at the door—yes, really—she creates a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring everyone feels at ease ahead of what's to come. The show kicks off by transporting the audience to the nightmare of being at a party, surrounded by people, and being asked the dreaded question: “So, what do you do?”—as Mann correctly says, predictably by a guy named Simon.

Her storytelling ability is nothing short of incredible—one moment, the audience is doubled over in fits of laughter, and the next, they’re holding back tears. The emotional crescendo arrives as she delves into the inevitable challenges of being a medical professional during the pandemic, a moment of raw vulnerability that lands with undeniable weight.

Though I’m neither a comedian nor an anaesthetist, I found Skeletons surprisingly relatable. Mann crafts a charming, hilarious, and emotional story about people not being defined by just one thing—whether that be their job, their relationships, or their past mistakes.

More than just a comedy show, Skeletons is a theatrical experience that reveals the delicate balance of identity, passion, and the personal costs of living separate lives. Whether you come for the laughs, the fab characters, or the heartfelt revelations, Kirsty Mann delivers all three in spades, making this show an unmissable 5-star gem.