one4review | On 06, Aug 2025

What’s more to say about Tape Face? The comedy alter ego of New Zealander Sam Willis, the enigmatic Boy With Tape of His Face is an international sensation – multi award winning, America’s Got Talent Finalist and Las Vegas staple.

With that sort of a pedigree, was there much doubt this show would be excellent? Willis’ brand of eclectic mime and prop comedy, mixed with participation from enthusiastic – if somewhat baffled – volunteers from the sold out audience makes for a hilarious, wacky, unpredictable hour of sheer delight.

The character of Tape Face himself his mouth firmly kept shut is so inherently, instantly likeable that it’s almost uncanny. With nothing to communicate with but a pointed stare, he’s often put-upon but always patient as he leads volunteer after volunteer through the unpredictable steps of whatever upcoming nonsense he’s planning next, crowd laughing at every raise of an expressive eyebrow.

The show is a celebration of Tape Face’s twenty year career and that’s exactly what it feels like – a celebration. There’s something inherently joyous about witnessing his act that’s hard to pin down. I was expecting to enjoy the show. I was expecting it to be great. But I wasn’t expecting it to feel so heartfelt. Something about the way that the audience and performer communicate without words to put together these very silly little moments with props of various household objects gives an odd sense of intimacy and connection. I can’t think of another way to describe it but to say that it felt generous of Tape Face to share his whimsy with us and I for one was very grateful.

*****

Reviewed by Tom

Pleasance Grand

19.30 (1hr)

Until 10 Aug