one4review | On 12, Aug 2026

The Australian ketamine Smurfette is back! This year, it seems the budget has improved too, with a proper giant screen boasting the highest HD resolution you’ll see at the whole Fringe, unless you head to the IMAX.

She kicks off from where last year left off, with the theme not so much where she’s from, but where she’s been and where she’s going. Flights play a huge part in this, with a screen timeline of her misadventures displayed behind her, and a Ryanair section hitting brilliantly.

She’s been through a lot, with a breakup that actually took place on an aeroplane causing audible gasps from the audience. Travelling is a huge thread throughout the show, taking us from Berlin to Madeira to Malta on a single trip over Christmas, with the kind of travel misadventures that make you wonder whether a holiday is actually worth it.

But it’s not just her. Particularly strong is the section where her stepson gets kidnapped by Greeks and her dad goes full low tech Dog the Bounty Hunter trying to find him. It’s completely bonkers, beautifully observed and delivered with the kind of conviction that makes you briefly wonder just how much of this can be true.

Then there are the smaller diversions: insomnia without the symptoms, OCD and the various little glitches that make up the human experience.

Visually, this is a big step up from last year, and Brooke has blossomed too when it comes to commanding the stage, adding superb facial expressions to her sheer enthusiasm. You can see the thoughts arriving on her face before the words have even caught up.

There’s a genuine sense of adventure to it all, even when the destination is questionable, and the route is decidedly turbulent. She’s on the right flight path, no matter where these misadventures may take her.

Brooke is killing it this year and you should come along for the ride.

4 stars ****
Reviewed by Steve H.
The Wee Tap at Laughing Horse @ The Hanover Tap
Until 30th August (excl. 17th)
18.15 – 19.15