Soho Theatre
Thursday 20th – Saturday 22nd March
8:45 PM
Rising comedy star Hannah Platt is set to bring her critically acclaimed debut show, ‘Defence Mechanism,’ to Soho Theatre for a limited three-night run this March. After a successful debut at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, where the show earned multiple award nominations, including NextUp’s Biggest Award in Comedy and Best Debut at the Leicester Comedy Festival, Platt is now taking the stage in London.
A Stand-Up Voice That Hits Hard
Known for her sharp wit and unfiltered take on mental health, Hannah Platt delivers a darkly hilarious exploration of self-image, vulnerability, and the world’s impossible standards. ‘Defence Mechanism’ tackles her recent body dysmorphia diagnosis, the absurdity of therapy clichés, and the brutal honesty of strangers on public transport.
“Soho Theatre has always been a big career goal of mine, and I’m so excited to bring my debut show there for three nights. I love the show so much and can’t wait to perform it in a dream venue.” – Hannah Platt
Award Recognition & Rising Success
🏆 Nominee – NextUp’s Biggest Award in Comedy 2024
🏆 Nominee – Comedian’s Choice Best Debut 2024
🏆 Nominee – ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer 2024
🏆 Nominee – Best Debut, Leicester Comedy Festival 2024
🥈 2nd Place – Funny Women Stage Award 2023
🎤 Finalist – BBC New Comedy Awards 2019
🎤 Finalist – Leicester Square New Act of the Year 2019
🥇 Winner – Best Breakthrough Act, Northwest Comedy Awards 2020
A Comedy That Cuts Deep
Platt, a stand-up comedian and writer, has built a reputation for her biting humour and relatable storytelling. In this show, she asks:
- What defence mechanisms do we build to survive life’s toughest moments?
- Why is vulnerability so uncomfortable?
- Are you really a people pleaser if no one is actually pleased with you?
Blending brutal honesty with razor-sharp punchlines, Platt unpacks the way self-help culture, media representation, and even her Scouse mum’s fridge magnet wisdom all shape our identities.
“Platt’s humour is sharp enough to draw blood.” – The Guardian
A Stand-Up Talent on the Rise
With a background in BBC comedy writing and performances at major festivals including Latitude, Download, and Green Man, Platt has supported some of the UK’s top comics, including Kiri Pritchard-McClean, Fern Brady, and Lou Sanders.
What Critics Are Saying
⭐ “Platt is undeniably a rising star; it’s an honour to witness her early days.” – Fest Mag
⭐ “Brutally funny, a masterclass in balancing dark themes with brilliant punchlines.” – The Scotsman
⭐ “Her stand-up has a high bar – and she clears it effortlessly.” – Neurodiverse Review
⭐ “A debut performance that’s polished, fearless, and unforgettable.” – Gig Gossip
Get Your Tickets Now:
WATCH HANNAH IN ACTION: https://youtu.be/danjn0EmGig
