Racist comments from her mother-in-law inspired Njambi McGrath to name her show Black Black. In it, she shares harrowing stories of her grandmother’s experiences of British colonialism in Kenya alongside historical ramifications for her own life in Britain. Delivering some stark facts with her smilingly sardonic humour, McGrath explores contrasts and parallels between these two lives. Of striking significance is the fact that her grandmother too was a comedian.

McGrath observes that whereas her grandmother was placed in a concentration camp, she was sent to boarding school. There she was drilled in ‘British values’ such as ‘liberty, democracy . . . irony’, force-fed Christianity, and taught to celebrate the achievements of white men. Her description of this western education is a pertinent reminder of why McGrath’s voice and her accounts of Kenyan history are so important. 

Making this narrative more digestible, McGrath peppers it with sarcasm and jokes. Some punchlines are weak and feel unnecessary where historical horrors are bursting with ridiculousness and can live on their own through bare narration. Exploring patriarchal religions, for example, her observations are on the mark but some jokes could benefit from an extra splash of verve. Overall though, there is humour aplenty in a show that delivers far more than a laugh. 

Pleasance Courtyard, until 28 August, 5.50pm.