The realization that one has outlived Jesus, which often strikes individuals in their early thirties, typically occurs around the age of 33. Aisling Bea, now 42, has only recently begun to showcase her performance titled “Older Than Jesus,” a title that suggests it may have been in the works for quite some time. Given her success in popular sitcoms and her role in “Taskmaster,” it is understandable that this marks her inaugural stand-up tour. However, there is nothing novice about the 75-minute performance, as Bea exhibits both confidence and a playful spirit, weaving together reflections inspired by her recent “accidental pregnancy” and her journey into motherhood.

While one might expect a certain level of maturity from the performance, Bea maintains her signature whimsical and self-absorbed charm. She shares amusing anecdotes from her childhood, such as crafting DIY Dairylea spreadables with used “bodies of Christ,” hilariously recounting her behavior at the wrap party for a poorly received Take That movie, and even stepping in as a father figure at her sister’s antenatal class. Throughout the show, her trademark cartoonish egotism and awareness of her own absurdity shine through. Whether she is injuring herself while attempting a “slut drop” or humorously curating the playlist for her own C-section, Bea invites the audience to enjoy the contrast between her glamorous self-image and the less glamorous reality of her life.

Often, the subject of her humor is the eccentric, self-absorbed version of Aisling herself, though she occasionally broadens her focus to critique aspects of the sex education she received at her Catholic girls’ school. As the performance nears its conclusion, Bea offers a moral reflection, revealing the gender expectations she confronts as she navigates pregnancy and parenthood, which she firmly rejects. While this conclusion may seem somewhat unexpected, it resonates with sincerity and provides a thoughtful wrap-up to her lively and chaotic exploration of her middle years, balancing the life she embraces with the life she has relinquished, ultimately finding joy and humor in both.

This performance took place at De Montfort Hall in Leicester on April 8 and is part of her ongoing tour.