one4review | On 22, Aug 2024

Goldfish has some bits in it that are absolute gold, and a whole show of those would be something indeed. While the whole show isn’t those, it is a really fun hour from a comedian with something to say. Some of what she wants to say isn’t what you’d hope for anyone (and the show comes with a trigger warning), but all of it is important.

The show starts out with some crowd work and some observational material, and slips seamlessly into topics of substance and weight. The show’s broadly based on Nina’s life and experiences, some of them light and fun, some quite horrible, and bits in between that take on a new tone when you know more detail. She’s a bright and breezy performer, especially given some of the things she tells us about, including the eponymous goldfish.

I enjoyed the show a lot, though my cheeks were sore from smiling rather than my belly from laughing. There’s lots of good stuff in here, and probably more to be discovered if the less strong bits were developed a bit more. The structure works well, and nothing ever feels like it drags. Ms Gilligan’s friendly and charming, so the front row’s a safe place to sit (especially if you like bubbles!).

Reviewed by Laura

Just the Tonic Nucleus
20:20
Until 25th