This Review is from August 2024
Dr. Jo Prendergast is a stand up comedian, child psychiatrist, and author from New Zealand, making her Edinburgh Fringe debut. She presents a show, she says, for anyone who has ever been a parent or a child.
Offering a parody of a conventional personal development seminar, The Cool Mum draws from the comedian’s experience parenting two teenagers – both of whom feature extensively via photographs and short film clips throughout the show. Jo’s kids are stars and clearly enjoy playing along with their mum’s comedy shenanigans.
Every parent missteps while raising kids. Jo reimagines her failings as proof of her “cool mum” status. Instead of lamenting her parenting blunders, Jo enthusiastically shares her supposed parenting prowess. It’s tricky for parents to keep up with fads, most of which are, fortunately, harmless. Many of these fads are satirised here.
However, in this social media age, there are serious and urgent issues around the personal growth and mental health of children that must be addressed. How do parents encourage their kids to find self-expression both online, and away from the screen? How do parents relate to their own kids? Perhaps what this show is missing, is the hint of a real answer.
That said, The Cool Mum is a very funny show. The biggest laughs come from the teenagers in the room. Dr. Jo Prendergast can clearly connect with young people better than many parents can. Perhaps the clue to an answer is here after all.
Martin Walker
Podcast interview with Dr Jo Prendergast
Tickets HERE
Reviews of Dr Jo Prendergast: The Cool Mum collated by the British Comedy Guide HERE
Jo’s Profile and Social Media HERE
