Catherine Taaffe’s monologue character Kat directly addresses the audience with a cool acceptance of her life’s sexual misadventures. Presenting herself as honest, open and in control, Kat struggles not so much with her sex work as her desires for boxer Logan, who needs a little more to consummate their relationship. This solo show, despite a clear narrative line that allows Kat to leap across events and moods without confusing the story, never quite settles on a particular tone.

Some of her adventures in sex work are funny, especially when she becomes a pimp for her own sugar daddy, while others betray a seedier and harsher environment. The romantic comedy of her frustrated passion shifts into a darker atmosphere, with the hints of sexual violence from one former client gradually becoming more real and immediate. At this point, it appears the plot is veering into a dark morality tale, a reflection on the power of patriarchy and the entitlement of cis males.

However, when Logan arrives to rescue her and finally acknowledges that he is her boyfriend, Kat snaps back into a hip, confident and confessional mode, concluding the hour with a cheeky and triumphant quip. The tonal inconsistency doesn’t undermine the excellence of Taaffe’s performance but it does leave the show feeling uneven. The routines that lean into stand-up comedy don’t mesh with the more intense moments and the threat of an unknown stalker undermines the overall relaxed and witty storytelling. 

The Only Man Who Won’t Fuck Me, Zoo Playground, until 30 August, 9.50pm; picture: Alex Brenner.

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