WHAT GETS BETTER? - Seven Oaks Pub (25/07/25)

Emerging comedy writer Bepalo gives us their life on a (paper) plate

It takes a great deal of courage to put yourself out there, unabridged, for all to see, which is why comedians and spoken word performers always deserve the utmost of admiration, as their performances, more often than not, are wonderfully honest, earnest and authentic. These are certainly three qualities you can apply to Colombian comedian Tomas Bepalo's new solo work "What Gets Better?", as we experience through their experiences and uniquely diverse lens what it is to be a trans, nonbinary person with both autism and ADHD trying to maintain a grip on normal life, with plenty of engaging, often hilarious personal anecdotes and pearls of wisdom.

The preponderant notion explored in this show is that of seeking a sense of belonging, of putting yourself out there and taking that risk, which is evident in both the content of the show, and the whole idea of Bepalo staging it in the first place. It is wonderful to see this sense of gusto and self-deprecation, yet quiet vulnerability in putting themselves out there on a plate, warts and all, for all to see, and not only performing the material but actively engaging us as an audience, adding to the intimacy of the performance. And it was heartening to see the complete lack of judgement in the room, as all of us there present were full with Bepalo for the ride, and were rooting them on all the way in whatever way we could.

Tomas Bepalo

Bepalo immediately endears themselves to the room as they enter, coming out and baring their full and unashamed personality, in this fun, rough and ready, yet heart-on-sleeve autobiographical work, which explores everything from friendship and dating, to the hardships of navigating the choppy seas of being a nonbinary immigrant with multiple iterations of neurodivergence in a world not necessarily built with them in mind. And though it's billed as a comedy, this highly personal piece serves a deeper overall purpose.

Amid all the goofiness and self-deprecation is a terrific amount of earnestness, perhaps the most beautiful notion we come to share is that of "life doesn't get better, we just get better at dealing with it", along with a fun, chaotic yet sincere expression of their Colombian heritage, this idea of entertaining one's guests and making them feel at home no matter what. As wacky and occasionally awkward as the party at the end proved, with balloons and bubbles galore, its overriding message, as expressed directly by Bepalo, is one that, actually, was rather touching, and left us with plenty of food for thought upon departure. It doesn't matter how big or small your work, as long as your pour your whole heart into it, and set out to deliver a clear message, which I believe is achieved successfully.

★★★★☆

"What Gets Better" will run at Just The Tonic Legends at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe from the 31st of July until the 24th of August (book tickets)

{PR/Gifted tickets}