Susan Calman's 'Tall Tales' Tour: A Decade's Reflection, Raw and Riotous

Susan Calman, the beloved Scottish comedian and author, has returned to the standup stage with "Tall Tales," her first new touring show in a decade. The production, which opened at the Perth Concert Hall, aims to peel back the layers of her familiar, "cuddly" television persona to reveal the "real Susan." This thematic exploration is not entirely new for Calman; her 2016 show, "Calman Before the Storm," also delved into her personal life and comedic identity. The intervening ten years, however, have clearly furnished "Tall Tales" with a wealth of new material, blending the established elements of her act with profound personal reckonings.

Calman, a native of Glasgow, retains her signature onstage presence: a disarmingly "faux truculent" yet "palpably adorable" delivery. She masterfully navigates the perceived indignities of being a short, lesbian, middle-aged woman, finding humor in the everyday and the existential. The show is replete with experiences and insights gleaned during her hiatus from touring. Familiar themes, such as her well-documented affection for cats, her petite stature, and the onset of menopause, are now interwoven with more deeply personal narratives.

A significant aspect of "Tall Tales" is Calman's candid discussion of her mental health. She reveals that her return to standup, an art form she admits to fearing, was a deliberate strategy to confront and overcome a severe bout of depression. This raw honesty underpins much of the show, lending a heartfelt weight to her observations. Beyond her personal struggles, Calman also offers a humorous, behind-the-scenes look at the "unseen idiocies" of her "gilded TV career," a career that has seen her become a household name through shows like "The Great British Bake Off" and "Strictly Come Dancing."

The performance showcases Calman's adeptness at personal storytelling. Her "supposed flaws" are presented for audience amusement and connection. These include her tendency towards "catastrophising," vividly illustrated by an anecdote about a precarious hotel balcony incident, and her "addictive personality." The first act culminates in a "peachy set-piece" that humorously explores her "hormonal lust for righteous revenge," a testament to her ability to find comedy in powerful, often complex, emotions. The "Tall Tales" tour is scheduled to run until November 20, with further dates available via Calman's official website, susancalman.com. This return to standup marks a significant moment, demonstrating Calman's enduring appeal and her willingness to share her evolving self with her audience.