^{Picture: James Deacon}

When Helen Bauer bounds onto the stage and starts booming at her audience about female confidence, body positivity, and turning 30, you could be forgiven for fearing that you’re in for an hour of unimaginative stand-up with overworked material. Is a loud voice going to replace humour? No. Almost soon enough, Bauer reveals her wicked originality: wherever she veers towards subjects suggestive of pride, sympathy or pity, her attack is joyously merciless.

Bauer’s assaults on her gathering are masterly, even in simple mimicry of the odd ‘basic’ or 29-year-old woman. Women supporting women is a good thing, but honest girl-on-girl take-downs and schadenfreude are damn funny. The highlight of Madam Good Tit is an insight into Bauer’s school days, when, inspired by Disney and Jacqueline Wilson, she had her first ‘tragic phase’. Her lampooning of the cultural belief that girls need to be helpless to attract boys is utterly brilliant.

This leading lady, who confidently introduced her classmates to masturbation, knows full well that the world does not revolve around her (contrary to the mantras of yoga celeb Adriene). Throughout, Bauer rips into middle-class white women, herself above all, even if this is the demographic that will probably enjoy her the most.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 28 August, 5.40pm.