Chloe Petts reflects on comedy and gender dynamics
A few months ago, Chloe Petts was partway through a preview gig for her latest show, Big Naturals, when a man stood up and abruptly left, offended by her jokes about men, reports BritPanorama.
Following the incident, Petts expressed her initial anger but later reflected on her approach to encourage more constructive dialogue. She considered the messages her jokes convey and whether they unintentionally reinforce negative stereotypes about men.
“And it made me go, ‘OK, what am I really trying to say here? And how can I make sure that when I’m talking about men, I’m not taking cheap shots?” she remarked, highlighting her desire to draw attention to broader societal issues rather than target individuals.
Petts is noted for her engaging presence in British comedy, recently appearing on Have I Got News For You and in Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda special on Netflix. She often tackles themes that challenge conventional narratives, discussing topics like her experiences in women’s toilets and the discomfort of being perceived as a man.
Her comedic style is distinctive; as a tall, butch lesbian, she admits to sometimes benefiting from male privilege while critiquing the masculine culture surrounding her. She playfully contrasts her experiences at women’s and men’s football matches, noting the differing atmospheres.
In Big Naturals, she explores lad culture through a lens of humour, addressing its impact without resorting to confrontational comedy. Petts aims to engage audiences with comedy that serves as a vehicle for serious discussion, addressing the poisonous ethos of lad culture that defines male camaraderie in problematic terms.
Despite the challenges posed by this culture, Petts seeks to communicate her ideas broadly rather than adhering strictly to identity politics, stating, “I kind of soften things a little bit to make me more agreeable to a general audience rather than just the queer audience.”
This balancing act reveals her awareness of the complexities surrounding discussions of gender and sexuality. She acknowledges a desire to be more radical but finds herself navigating an audience that often prefers an agreeable comedy experience.
Petts recently shared her thoughts on the Riyadh Comedy Festival, emphasizing her refusal to participate in events organised by controversial regimes, stating, “there is no way, because I would lose every single friend that I had.”
As a comedian, she grapples with societal expectations and the pressures they impose, candidly expressing her struggles with self-doubt, which affect her performances and personal life. She described her transition from football, which she no longer enjoys due to oppressive dynamics, to focusing on her stand-up career, which involves approximately 280 gigs over the past year.
Looking forward to spending time with family and her partner Evan, Petts acknowledges the increased visibility of the queer community, particularly the trans community, which she believes is paving the way for greater acceptance and progress in society.
“It’s not that she isn’t scared,” she admits, “but you know, we’re a defiant community and I think that it’s gotta be all right.”
Petts acknowledges the importance of being a visibly queer individual in the public eye, taking pride in her role among the changing landscape of comedy and representation.
‘Big Naturals’ is at Soho Theatre, London, until 17 January, and then tours the UK until 6 March.
