Relay opens with a long musical number, Leila Navabi setting the stage alongside four cut-out figures and a TV. It’s the story of her and her partner’s attempt to have a child. The animations — which guide us through her fertility journey — are a real highlight: clever, clear, and beautifully executed.

What stands out, though, is how perturbed Navabi seems by her lukewarm straight audience. She returns several times to the same acerbic twist — that this show isn’t really for straight, white men — which feels tired by the end. With only a handful of openly queer audience members really in on the joke, the energy inevitably dips.

I give her huge credit for pulling this show together so quickly from such a personal story — it’s genuinely impressive. Navabi is undoubtedly talented. The jokes are well-written, she is definitely funny even if not everything lands.

The musical numbers are mixed — some hit, some run on too long — but the animations and commentary are absolutely brilliant. The show lacks a clear A, B, and C plot, but the story is engaging enough to carry you through, and Navabi is a good showman.

That said, in the first 10 minutes, I found myself wishing she’d just plant her feet, settle, and maybe decide to like the audience she had that day.

The story closes with a twist I genuinely didn’t see coming — incredibly sweet. This followed by a final song which is touching, but in the context of a Fringe comedy hour, it also feels a little indulgent.

A funny performer with an interesting story to tell and perhaps for the right audience this is a 5 star show.

***½

Reviewed by Sharpie

Pleasance Courtyard – Beside

15.35 (1hr)

Until 25 Aug (not 12)