August 20, 2026  The Student

Review of A Complete Idiot's Guide to New Zealand

In an attempt to put New Zealand on the map – quite literally, given that it is frequently omitted from important world maps, including the boardgame Risk – Sully O’Sullivan delivers a whistle-stop tour of the misconceptions, tales, and quirks of his homeland. As the daughter of a Kiwi, I like to think I have a fairly good understanding of New Zealand culture and humour. I knew this show would be entertaining, as there is something inherently hilarious about a joke delivered in a Kiwi accent. However, I did not expect an hour-long stand-up comedy show to educate me quite so extensively, leaving me to wonder whether I might actually be a complete idiot. For example, did you know that New Zealand is nowhere near Australia? In fact, the distance between the two can be compared to a journey from Scotland to Algeria! Crazy. I called my dad immediately after the show to impart some of my newfound knowledge, and I think he was impressed. The show attracted an eclectic audience, with a comforting handful of Kiwi accents detectable upon arrival at the venue. The room immediately gets to know one another as O’Sullivan engages us with a series of icebreakers. His energy does not drop once, with his contagious enthusiasm and sharp observations resulting in a punchy and informative piece of comedy. The floor is then opened and the roles reversed, as the show closes with a Q&A, giving the audience the opportunity to ask O’Sullivan any pressing questions about New Zealand, or The Lord of the Rings. The hour flies by, and the room is filled with relentless giggles and cheers, which are a testament to the comfortable atmosphere O’Sullivan creates throughout his set. If you are from New Zealand, planning to visit, or simply hoping to broaden your knowledge, you cannot miss this show. You never know when you may need to call upon a niche New Zealand fact to win a pub quiz. Click Here

August 19, 2026  One4Review

Review of 5 Comedians Do Comedy and Karaoke

Rachel Jackson acts as host for what promises to be a winner for me, showcasing 2 of my favourite things in the show, “5 Comedians Do Comedy and Karaoke”. There’s an amateurish charm, and it feels rather unrehearsed at times which adds to the chaos. To be fair, some of the comedy is quite funny as each act showcases parts of their larger Fringe show. However, the Karaoke part could be much better. It all gets a bit shouty and some of the acts choose really difficult songs to sing, and it feels like it’s the first time they have actually seen the words to their tunes. A different line up is offered up every day, for me, Roger Swift and his silly puns, was one of the highlights. Loads of visual gags, pulled from a suitcase, cheesy dad jokes and lots of groans. There were some tech issues which didn’t help and sometimes can’t be avoided, don’t get me wrong most of us in the audience had a good time, but it could have been better with a little work. It’s an easy watch that needs some fine tuning. Click Here

August 8, 2026  Edinburgh Reviews

Review of Devin Gray: Golden Retriever Energy

South African comedian Devin Gray brings his latest hour, Golden Retriever Energy, to the Fringe Room at Laughing Horse @ Kick Ass Cowgate for the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Tucked away on the historic Cowgate, a ten-minute walk from Waverley Station, the venue delivers an authentic Fringe atmosphere, close, intimate, and surprisingly comfortable with open windows to beat the August mugginess. Gray delivers an exceptionally warm, sharply written hour that navigates anxiety, love, and cultural transitions with effortless charm. While officially carrying an 18 rating, likely a product of the pub venue setting rather than overtly aggressive material, the performance feels far more wholesome, driven by Gray’s natural enthusiasm and charismatic stage presence. Peeling Back the Mask The title of the show is no misnomer. Gray embodies that quintessential, eager-to-please warmth, yet beneath the sunny disposition lies a nuanced, deeply honest narrative. He strips away the armour to explore personal anxieties and the work required to sustain a loving relationship, using his recent move to the UK as a lens to compare his past with his present. Gray handles potentially prickly subjects with light-footed precision. In a city where certain pop-culture topics carry unexpected baggage, he navigates a Harry Potter joke with clever wit, side-stepping hostility in favour of sharp, observant humour. His perspective as a South African integrating into British life adds a brilliant layer of contrast, offering a refreshing take on local life that lands smoothly with the Edinburgh crowd. Charisma Without the Edge Crowd interaction during the set feels collaborative rather than combative. Gray is not a comic who preys on the front row; instead, he riffs off communicative audience members with genuine delight, turning unexpected banter into some of the show’s brightest moments. His style creates a safe, welcoming room where the audience is invited to share in the joy of the hour. His material moves beyond simple observations, building a cohesive picture of a comedian who understands both his craft and his identity. The writing is clever, the delivery is impeccably timed, and the overall feel is one of an artist stepping confidently into a larger spotlight. Overall Devin Gray’s Golden Retriever Energy is a joyous, beautifully balanced hour of stand-up that delivers big laughs without sacrificing heart. For those seeking authentic Fringe comedy from a rising talent destined for much larger rooms, this show is an absolute must-see. Click Here

August 6, 2026  Edinburgh Reviews

Review of Devin Gray: Golden Retriever Energy

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