There are numerous perplexing cases of successful acts that failed to win over the comedy award judges at the Edinburgh Fringe. Michael McIntyre never picked up a nomination for Best Show. Nor did Micky Flanagan. Chloe Petts needs to be added to this list.
While the Kent-born comedian has been overlooked by juries, discerning stand-up fans clearly disagree. Petts has just announced extra shows at the Soho Theatre in June due to demand. If you can get a ticket for How You See Me, How You Don't snap it up before they all disappear.
I should clarify, however, that Petts is different to McIntyre and Flanagan. Still accessible and innately entertaining, but more thought-provoking. She identifies as a butch lesbian, although if the mood takes her she says she also answers to sheepdog.
Her latest show is about tackling trolls – and not, as she briskly underlines, the type that you stick your pencil into. After landing her own Sky Sports morning slot this football obsessive made the foolish mistake of glancing at social media.
There she saw endless personal attacks – criticism of everything from her clothes to the size of her hands – because in her baggy trousers and chunky shoes she didn't conform to the female sports presenter norm.
She tells her story with both lightness of touch and total command of the room. Apart from having a compelling tale to tell she is also extremely skilled at crowdwork. Whether gently mocking overconfident latecomers or complimenting someone on their unusual laugh ("nice snort") she is effortlessly quick off the mark, filling the room with waves of laughter.
On the subject of bullying she vividly recalls close encounters at her all-girls state school, which she describes as a cross between Enid Blyton and Skins. People picked on her at their peril – she was over six foot by the time she was 13 and was later head girl. She gave potential playground bullies short shrift and did the same with keyboard tormentors. But the trolls still took their toll.
The fact that even someone as assured as Petts could be undermined by anonymous abuse shows how viciously insidious it can be. Needless to say she defiantly had the last laugh, though not without one final twist in the tale.
Quite why this show didn't satisfy the comedy awards judges remains a mystery. It ticks countless boxes. It addresses a topical hot potato, it has an honest, personal through line, it explores gender and self-perception. Most importantly though, it is consistently funny from kick off to final whistle.
When it comes to comedy Petts is very much Premier League.
Soho Theatre until January 25 then June 9 – 14. Tickets and information here.
