one4review | On 28, Aug 2026

Chinese comedian Lance Mao starts the show by asking the audience, “What brought you to my show?” The answers are all different: through advertising, the premise, or simply stumbling across it, which feeds neatly into his narrative as his OCD kicks in and the intrusive thoughts start to take over.

Nothing particularly new there, but Mao gives these thoughts a voice, manifested as a Debbie Downer Peppa Pig. It sounds ridiculous, but it works, adding another layer to the show, giving us an insight into his mindset and linking neatly into his origin story.

Born in Hungary, he takes us on a journey through his youth, including his decision to pick an English first name, with some wonderfully obscure British connections. Peppa pipes up again, like a Hyde to his Jekyll, as he talks about being broke and broken, growing up and the realisation that the UK has its own obsession with race, class and status.

The Peppa porky interludes tie these stories together nicely, whether he’s talking about being a private tutor or the more chaotic parts of his life. There’s a sense that we’re watching his thoughts being worked through in real time.

The voice calms as the show goes on, becoming less manic, and you get the feeling that this is as much therapy for Mao as it is a comedy. It’s an unusual way into some familiar material, and when Peppa kicks in, it gives the whole thing its own peculiar identity.

It’s clever and well executed, although some of the Peppa signposts confuse the audience, and the narrative within the voice could be a little clearer.
Still, it’s an enjoyable hour from an emerging talent.
***
Reviewed by Steve H
15.20 to 16.20
Hoots @ The Apex Hoot 3
Until 31st August