REVIEW: Jenny Tian – Jenny's Travels

©️Jenny Tian

Jenny Tian’s stand-up show, Jenny's Travels, directed by Justin Hamilton, weaves together stories of her relationship with her mother, family bonds, and the challenges she has faced since moving from Australia to the UK. Her narrative brought both laughter and moments of shared empathy to the audience.

Having grown up in Australia, Jenny recalls how people often told her to “go back to China.” In the UK, when someone shouted “go back to Australia,” she found herself ironically comforted by the change. Still, her mother remains a constant presence, embodying the familiar worry of many Asian parents for their children’s safety.

Beyond this, Jenny explores a range of topics: her flatmates, her pursuit of the “American Dream,” identity and cultural belonging, sex life, and the unique bonding within Asian families. One particularly memorable story was about having her phone stolen in London, and she humorously compared autistic experiences with Chinese identity, pointing out that, after all, when filling out forms, the answer is simply “Chinese.”

What makes the show engaging is how quickly the audience feels they come to know Jenny through her candid, personal storytelling. However, as a piece of comedy, it occasionally lacks the broader, universal punchlines that might land with a wider crowd.

Nevertheless, Jenny Tian’s voice is refreshing, her perspective deeply relatable, and her presence warm. This show feels like the beginning of a larger journey, and I look forward to seeing how her stories with the UK continue to unfold.

★★★★

For more information, please visit: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jenny-tian-jenny-s-travels?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21210545253&gbraid=0AAAAADsaKHcBVWfpN9izukqYgsEP3s98m&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqqDFBhDhARIsAIHTlksVg7SAKJyzs1CedFylvJDPRhftDI2QN61aqn7hNIQ0sesqylRTmPsaAp_IEALw_wcB