Esther Manito: #notallmen

Esther has a lot to say, and she’s not wrong about any of it.

Esther Manito: #notallmen

There are certain people in this world who will see the name of Esther’s show and assume she’s a radical feminist with no time for men in her life, regardless of their role. Others might assume she’s one of those women that the male species have brainwashed into defending them when they inflict atrocities against women and girls. Well, you’re both wrong, because Esther is neither. And #notallmen is a smart, well thought-out stand up routine with a strong message, and a lot of swearing. 

Being raised in the nineties, Esther witnessed the birth of toxic masculinity. I mean, come on. Danny Dyer being an agony uncle to a whole generation of boys for a magazine that degrades women. How on earth was that going to breed anything other than destruction and madness?

And that’s Esther’s point. She hasn’t lost sight of what all the cancelling and arguing amongst ourselves is actually supposed to achieve. Championing real feminism and calling out toxic masculinity in whatever form it comes in is supposed to be creating a better world for us all – men and women alike. And Esther wants you to remember that. 

Esther is clever in her delivery and doesn’t shy away from speaking her truth amongst the men in the room who have been dragged their kicking and screaming by their girlfriends. 

“Make your own social plans!”

As we walked in to Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines, I knew I was being tested. We’ve all had to come to terms with the fact that the song may have the catchiest tune ever, but it’s the perfect example of everything that is wrong with this world when it comes to the treatment of women. I see you Esther, and I did not even tap a toe on my way to my seat. 

There were moments of the show that didn’t directly relate to the overall premise of #notallmen but Esther’s stage presence, chat, energy and enthusiasm meant I didn’t mind the deviation too much. 

Esther is simply brilliant, and so is her posture. If you want to hear a group of women agree profusely with one another whilst all the men in the room bow their heads in utter shame, #notallmen is the show for you. 

Esther Manito’s #notallmen is playing at the Gilded Balloon Teviat in the Wee Room every evening at 19:20. 


For tickets and more information visit edfringe.com 

Header Image Credit: Karla Gowlett

Author

Saskia Calliste

Saskia Calliste Voice Team

Saskia is the Deputy Editor of Voice and has worked on campaigns such as International Women’s Day, Black History Month, and Anti-Bullying Week. Outside of Voice, Saskia is a published author (Hairvolution) and has guest featured in various other publications (The Women Writers’ Handbook/ Cosmopolitan/ The Highlight). She has a BA in Creative Writing and Journalism and an MA in Publishing. She is a mentor for Women of the World Global, has guest lectured at the University of Roehampton and has led seminars/panel talks on Race, Equality and Diversity. She was a 2022 Guest Judge for Dave (TV Channel) in search of the 'Joke of the Fringe'. She is 27-years-old, based in London, and loves to cook and explore new places in her spare time.

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