Jen Brister (The Steamworks)

Jen Brister is at The Steamworks on Friday 16 October, bringing her new show Reactive to Sheffield. It's her first time back on the road since a sold-out tour in 2022, so this is a fresh run rather than a repeat of the old material.

Reactive is built around a specific, relatable starting point: a comedian who's been told she needs to chill out. From there, it follows her finding herself in a constant state of exacerbation at the state of the world and people in general. It's the kind of premise that does a lot of the heavy lifting before she even steps on stage — most of us have spent a fair few days feeling exactly that, so you've got a handle on where the set is heading from the first few minutes.

Brister is a stand-up and writer who's worked across a good bit of the comedy landscape. You'll recognise her from Live at the Apollo on BBC, Frankie Boyle's New World Order, QI and Mock The Week, so she's well-versed in the fast-paced, punchy style of those panels. The critics have been on her side too: The Guardian called her 'furiously funny', and The Sunday Times described her energy as explosive with mesmerising delivery. If you've seen her on TV, this is the full-length version, with the new material taking centre stage.

The show is at The Steamworks, 111 Randall Street, Sheffield, S2 4SJ, with doors opening at 18:30. There's a 14+ age restriction on this one, so it's not for the under-14s.