Review: Candace Bryan – MILF (Mom I’d Like to Find), Fringe 2025

American comedian Candace Bryan’s debut solo show, MILF (Mom I’d Like to Find), is a whirlwind hour of sharp wit and expertly crafted stand-up.

It’s a show that defies its provocative title, delivering far more than just a series of gags. The title might suggest a certain bawdiness (which it attained), but what Bryan delivers is also a surprisingly heartfelt and hilarious journey into her unconventional upbringing and her search for a maternal figure. This search involves a series of surprising Instagram DMs. This is a powerful, poignant, and laugh-out-loud funny hour from a comic at the top of her game.

The Power of One-Liners

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a one-note show. It isn’t. But what Bryan delivers in spades is an arsenal of perfectly timed, killer one-liners that land with devastating precision. Her style is a masterclass in concise comedy, with each joke building on the last to create a cumulative effect of pure hilarity. She moves from her dating life – a minefield of philosophical catfishing and almost-mother-in-laws – to her childhood in Missouri with a single dad who, apparently, shared more than a few traits with Captain Von Trapp. This rapid-fire delivery doesn’t just keep the energy high; it’s a testament to her sharp writing and unique persona, which has rightfully earned her a place as one of the most exciting new voices on the London comedy circuit.

Heart and Hilarity

While the show is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, it’s the emotional core that makes it truly memorable. The hour is anchored in Bryan’s experience of being raised without a mother after her own walked out when she was a baby. It’s a subject that could easily become maudlin, but Bryan handles it with a refreshing mix of stoicism, avoidant attachment, and toxic masculinity, all of which she attributes to her upbringing. The show’s title, MILF (Mom I’d Like to Find), is not just a hook; it’s a genuine thread that weaves through her narrative. It’s this undercurrent of empathy and emotion that elevates the show from a simple stand-up set to a compelling and cathartic piece of storytelling. Coming from another show about the tribulations of motherhood, this reviewer was particularly struck by Bryan’s perspective on what it means to grow up without a mother figure and the demands society puts on mums.

Overall

Candace Bryan’s MILF (Mom I’d Like to Find) is a triumphant debut that showcases a comedian with an extraordinary talent for both sharp humour and genuine storytelling. It’s a show that will have you laughing one minute and deeply reflecting the next. As part of the shows at Just The Tonic, it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates clever, well-structured comedy with a hidden heart and (here’s the catch) also in-your-face lewdness. This is a show that is not just funny, but a cathartic journey that is both relatable and truly original.