one4review | On 01, Aug 2025

When I saw the listing, this one jumped out at me given I’m a big Lord of the Rings fan and I was looking forward to the main theme being a comedy version of the blockbuster film franchise, even the flyer lures you into middle earth and fills you with the expectation of a comedy adventure. Given the performers are from New Zealand, there is no reason you would think otherwise. However, its clever marketing as this show is simply stand-up comedy with minimal references to Lord of the Rings.

The three performers Fin, Hoani and Danny formally introduce themselves and take you through a variety of personal experiences and comedy escapades. The extremely small venue inadvertently makes it an intimate show as everyone in the room is so close to each other you can’t but help to interact with each other.

Fin takes us though some of the pitfalls surrounding Bi-sexuality and in a thoughtful yet funny way highlights some of the countries that are still averse to modern day sexuality. His dad was a sex education teacher at the same school as him so when he attended his dad’s class, there is hilarious consequences!

Hoani discusses his escapades as a tour guide in Spain but just how much knowledge does he have? He then goes into detail about when he and his partner went for a couple’s deep tissue massage highlighting what not to ask for, it’s not what you think but you do feel his pain!

Danny concludes the show and keeps the hilarity going. When he discovers his ancestry it’s not something he wants to shout about. He discusses his relationship with his dad who tries to keep up with modern day sexism but instead of getting the point, his train of though goes down a completely different path with hilarious consequences. A quick change of clothing in relation to a well-known children’s programme finishes the show with some basic but funny antics.

After the disappointment of the show not being what I thought it was going to be, I settled into 50 minutes of stand-up. You can’t fault the enthusiasm and energy of the guys, and they do well to keep the audience entertained. Given this was their 1st show, it was a bit work in progress which I’m sure will get better as the shows progress. Perhaps a bit more interaction with the audience would assist them to create a bit more hilarity.

Given the distance the guys have travelled and the fact this show is part of the Free fringe, it is well worth going to see.

***1/2

Reviewed by Steve .J.
Free Festival – Various Venues
Until 24 Aug