one4review | On 10, Aug 2025

Fresh from competing in an antipodean season of Taskmaster, Holland is back and fame hasn’t marred her bubbly, perky and very funny style. All the good bits from Holland’s previous Fringe show remain, but amplified and polished. The art’s still here, but it’s less high-school mood board, and more art school graduate show. There’s plinths and everything. The confidence and ease on stage remain, with a smidge of self-absorption and self-importance thrown in for effect.

The dark streak that you almost don’t notice because it’s being delivered by the bubbly, perky, nice lady is strong, amplified by the self-importance. It’s sharp and pithy and skewering. The whole substance of the show, with its gallery-tour structure layering and intermingling with a wider story is polished and well executed. Use of the audience is considered and playful. The tone of the show teeters on the edge of sincerity, exploring the discourse of ethics in art along with a glint in the eye and a just a hint of a knowing smile. Emma Holland knows what she’s up to.

Holland has chosen her preferred art medium well: she’s got an apparently natural flair, but has also put the work in to make the most of it. There is almost nothing to pick holes in with this show: so skilful she makes it look effortless.

Reviewed by Laura
21:20 (1hr)
Assembly George Square (Studio 4)
Until 24th (not 11th)