Jenny Eclair Sixty (FFS) Tour Review – Bloomsbury Theatre
Jenny Eclair is currently touring the UK with her show ‘Sixty (FFS)’ that should have coincided with her sixtieth year. Due to originally take place in 2020 the show had to be delayed to the joy that was lockdown. Having hit 60 last year (but still a year younger than Madonna) Jenny Eclair confronts a new decade of decrepitude. Jenny is now finally able to celebrate this overdue milestone with her fans as she tours the UK.
The comedy circuit seems to have become more of a young person’s game with new fresh faces joining the scene. So, it was both refreshing and insightful to see a show that focuses on the experiences of a sexagenarian woman. Despite being a part of the Grumpy Old Women TV show Jenny Eclair takes to the stage jubilant and enthusiastic. Introducing herself as ‘The face of Vagisan’ it is abundantly clear that Jenny is excited to be back on tour.
Jenny Eclair brings us an inside scoop on the highs and lows of what it’s really like to turn sixty. She refuses to be defined by her age and tackles the stereotypes that come with her new age bracket. An age bracket that now takes her a good 20 minutes of scrolling to find when filling out online forms. An age she no longer wishes to lie about but in fact scream from the rooftops, in only to get her vaccination faster.
No need to concern yourself with whether decorum comes with age as Jenny quickly dispels this myth. From discussing her diminished libido to comparing sex to making your own pastry, this show is not for the prudish. And despite thinking I might not relate to a sexagenarian she manages to make the show relatable for all ages. Like who hasn’t had the pain of trying to get through airport security with a passport photo that’s ten years old. Although most of us probably haven’t had security personally point out just how much we’ve aged like Jenny had.
Whilst Jenny says she is ready to embrace being sixty there is a slight contradiction in her material. At times she implies she’s this decaying old woman character, which is a stark contrast to her bubbly, bold personality. Jenny Eclair is quick-witted and a joyous comic and marks sixty as one of life’s sweet spots. Sixty (FFS) runs until 17th February 2022, finishing at Newbury Corn Exchange, and tickets are available on her website now.
