In less-enlightened times, comedy forums would frequently discuss the topic of whether or not women stand-up comedians were actually funny.
In times that, despite being more enlightened than those previously mentioned less-enlightened times, were still considerably less enlightened than the times in which we now live, comedy forums would frequently discuss the topic of whether or not women comedians that were actually funny were actually as funny as men comedians.
Even today, when it is widely acknowledged that the very best women comedians can reasonably be mentioned in the same breath as the very best men comedians, the question is often asked whether or not those women comedians have all the qualities possessed by the best of those men. As well as being very funny, can they think on their feet? Can they be topical as well as general in their comedy? Can they make comedy writers in the audience gasp and think "I wish I'd written that."? Can they make seriously funny jokes that involve subjects considered taboo by most members of the public and most of their comedy colleagues?
In the case of Katherine Ryan, the answer to all those questions is a resounding "Yes, and she can do much more besides."
For my money, she is one of the finest stand-up comedians on the planet - regardless of gender.