Space Invaders
New Athenaeum Theatre, 24 The Octagon, Dunedin
19/03/2024 - 20/03/2024
Production Details
Creators: Nicola Brown & Georgie Sivier
Join Dunedin local, Nicola Brown as she wrangles perplexing bodies, misguided romance scammers and hapless medical systems into orderly chaos in her debut solo stand-up comedy show. If you’ve ever felt like your life is being intruded on – physically, emotionally, geographically, telepathically, or televisually – this is the show for you!
‘Space Invaders’ is a comedy show about protecting your peace – whether it be your time, your energy, your physical space or your universe. Nicola has journeyed through the nebula of modern day bullsh*t, navigating medical mishaps, swerving out of declarations of love from fish-wielding men on the internet (who’ve failed to notice how gay she is), and of course simply existing as a woman in 2024.
The countdown is on! It’s time to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no comedian has gone before…metaphorical space.
Come and join Nicola on the newest planet: Pandemonium.
Recognition for Nicola Brown:
Best Storyteller 2021 – Dunedin Comedy Awards
“Clever, engaging, unique and bloody funny” – comedian Ben Hurley
“Sharp and clever, with impeccable timing” – comedian James Mustapic
Dates: Tuesday 19th & Wednesday 20th March
Time: 8pm – 9pm
Venue: New Athenaeum Theatre, 23 The Octagon, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016
Price: $15 GA $12 Concession
Facebook and Instagram: itsnicolabrown
Ticket Link: https://www.dunedinfringe.nz/
Performer: Nicola Brown
Producer & tech: Georgie Sivier
Comedy , Theatre ,
50 minutes
Making hysterectomies hysterical
Review by Reuben Crimp 20th Mar 2024
The heart of Dunedin’s performing arts scene, the New Athenaeum Theatre, is packed tonight as Nicola Brown’s debut Fringe performance, Space Invaders, is sold out. In the foyer hangs a poster of Nicola dressed as an astronaut, fitting attire for a performance that is out-of-this-world funny.
Nicola Brown demonstrates masterful skill as a comedian. Beginning with relatable anecdotes, she quickly establishes and strengthens a connection with the audience. As her show progresses, this connection becomes the foundation for sharing a message close to her heart (though anatomically closer to her uterus).
The first half of her show covers Brown’s adventures as a mother, wife, and clinical psychologist; mixed with perceptive jokes about horoscopes, online scammers, and lesbian fashion stereotypes. While her own dress sense is sharp, her wit is sharper. Not only is she very funny, but her show is chock-full of internal allusions, a hallmark of a well-written piece.
The second half of her show covers Brown’s medical misadventures. She speaks from the heart about a serious health condition that has plagued her, causing significant distress over the past several years. While educational and poignant, it is no less entertaining than the first half, as Brown punctuates the tense moments with perfectly placed jokes.
Her condition, “Pelvic Organ Prolapse”, which was previously unknown to me, is a shockingly common issue, really emphasizing the need for educational reform for both the general public and the countless medical “experts” who took years to diagnose her.
Brown’s show is on par with her contemporaries like Hannah Gadsby and Pax Assadi, carefully combining comedy with social advocacy. Brown uses her platform to challenge the gender bias in healthcare, using her sharp wit to cut a satirical-shaped hole in the medical patriarchy.
A truly unforgettable show at the Fringe, proving once again that comedy can be profoundly funny and profoundly significant. It is easy to recommend a show with both heart and humour.
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
Comments