one4review | On 16, Aug 2024

Nina has become a household name along side her trusted, sarcastic monkey and hilarious face masks. This show was completely unscripted with audience participation key.

Monkey made several appearances throughout the show, even offering some counselling to members of the audience. Nina interacted with monkey, not afraid to make fun of themselves and produce an act as if there were two performers. Monkey is the brutal side to Nina’s pleasant and kind self.

The masks are what Nina is well known for. She has a great instinct as to which one would suit particular people. Nina then produces hilarious dialogue based on the persons body language. This is where it becomes weird, as the stories a person tries to mime just do not make sense but Nina makes it funny.

Audience participation is integral and Nina expertly engages the audience with some general questions, aided by monkey. This helps to identify people to join her on stage with the masks. No one is made to feel uncomfortable and even when Nina mimes for people, it is never mean spirited.

I really enjoyed this show. Even if you are not an active participant, the show is wholly inclusive. People have opportunities to take part or not. Ventriloquism is very difficult talent to perfect and Nina does it so well and effortlessly. She has as much fun as the audience and this is what makes her a great performer!

*****
Reviewed by Tracey
Pleasance Courtyard – Grand
19.30 (1hr)
Until 25th August (not 19(