Stevie Martin: Hot Content

Sneaking a light-hearted peek into the dark side of social media
The rise in technology has long since handed comedians an extra joke-tool to start their show whether they use it anonymously from backstage or right in front of us as we troop in. Stevie Martin (one third of sketch team Massive Dad) goes for the latter approach, and on a larger screen we see her vain attempts to focus on a subject she's researching with an inevitable dive into the portals of procrastination. We've all been there, right?
Insisting that Hot Content has still to commence, she sets up a scene which ultimately involves the whole audience in some form or another, as she posts her daily Instagram story to prove how busy and fun she is to anyone who's watching. The fact that the scene she portrays is totally fake makes her point cogently. As an ex-journalist and provider of sponsored online content, she has an 'in' on information gathering, data analysis and the way in which social media wields a grip on many of us. Still, that hydration app looks useful. With the vocal delivery of someone who could have read the news on The Day Today, Martin keeps it light and silly with an hour that offers a glimpse into the internet's dark side without laying it on thick.
Underbelly Bristo Square, until 25 Aug, 6.35pm, £9.50–£10.50 (£8.50–£9.50).