Acclaimed comedian Hannah Platt is set to bring her critically lauded debut show ‘Defence Mechanism’ to London’s Soho Theatre this March, following a triumphant run at the Edinburgh Fringe.
The Merseyside-born comic, who has already garnered multiple award nominations including NextUp’s Biggest Award in Comedy 2024 and the ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer, will perform at the prestigious venue from 20-22 March.
‘Defence Mechanism’ tackles Platt’s recent body dysmorphia diagnosis with unflinching honesty and sharp wit. The show explores how therapy techniques and positive affirmations stack up against real-world experiences, while examining the commercialisation of mindfulness and self-help culture.
Drawing from her working-class background and experiences as the ‘weird kid’ in a family of ‘blokey blokes’, Platt weaves together personal revelation and social commentary. The Guardian has praised her “humour sharp enough to draw blood,” whilst The Scotsman awarded the show four stars, describing it as “brutally funny” and “a supremely accomplished example of how to reconstitute deep, personal trauma into punchy, affecting stand-up.”
“Soho Theatre has always been a big career goal of mine and I’m so excited to bring my debut show there for three nights,” says Platt. “I love the show so much and can’t wait to perform it in a dream venue.”
The comedian’s rising profile has already seen her support prominent acts including Kiri Pritchard-McClean and Fern Brady on their UK tours. She has also appeared at major festivals such as Latitude and Download, and recently wrote and starred in her own BBC Three short.
Tickets for ‘Defence Mechanism’ at Soho Theatre are now available, with performances starting at 8:45pm each evening.
- Janna Richardson
