When Lara Ricote won the Dave Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer yesterday I assumed I'd already run a review of her show GRL/LATNX/DEF. My mistake, I think that's because I've been writing short pieces about how good she is ever since she won the Funny Women Stage Award prize in 2021. It has been clear that Ricote has been going places for a while.

And GRL/LATNX/DEF is the perfect introduction to this gifted storyteller. The title is a nod to who she is – female, with a Mexican background and hard of hearing. But Ricote is far from just a tick list of characteristics, she is the complete comedy package with an instantly engaging personality and a distinctive style all of her own.

She certainly has plenty to say for herself, painting a vivid picture of her family, including a sister who is also hard of hearing. She also talks about the fact that she only 'discovered' that she was a person of colour as an adult, when she moved to the Netherlands and people became aware of her Latin American roots. The theme of the show, if there is one, is identity. She has to fight being defined by her "disability light" hearing issues and her nationality.

There is a serious subtext to her material, but also a cartoonish element. Partly because she has a slightly squeaky voice and partly because she is a great physical comedian. One memorable act out has her trying to obtain a morning after pill in a Thailand pharmacy without speaking the language.

Ricote is a very worthy winner of the Newcomer prize. GRL/LATNX/DEF is a terrific opening volley from a new voice in comedy. We now wait eagerly to hear what she does next.

Lara Ricote, until August 28. Tickets and info here.

four stars