Review: Sophie Duker: But Daddy I Love Her

Sophie Duker photo by Sarah Harry-Isaacs

Sophie Duker arrives in a blaze of energy, galloping up and down the aisles of Pleasance’s Cabaret Bar and whipping the crowd up to a frenzy before she’s even said a word. Her entrance sets the tone for what follows: an energetic hour of gag after anecdote after impression, largely centered around Duker’s so-called “daddy issues”. 

Duker is a loud and fast comedian, with a confidence built from a hit 2019 debut which earned her a Best Newcomer nomination, and numerous appearances on shows like Taskmaster, Mock The Week and The Last Leg in the years since. It’s no surprise she is a panel show favourite: quick-witted, immediately likeable and riotously good fun, But Daddy I Love Her showcases her natural talent and finely honed comic skill as she romps through tales of family therapy, sugar daddies and her mother’s holy water habit. 

Some of the more gimmicky elements don’t land with the same momentum and the show’s climax feels slightly drawn out – but the laughs don’t let up and audiences can expect to leave feeling as if they’ve just had a great night out with their funniest friend.