one4review | On 24, Aug 2026

“Is there anyone here that can fly a plane?” Sounds like a classic line from the film “Airplane!’ but it’s New Zealand comedian Dan Boerman’s opening gambit. And we aren’t in an aircraft; we are in a hotel basement with no air conditioning, so it gives off kinda similar claustrophobia vibes
The premise of his show is that 50% of men and 20% of women surveyed said they could land a plane without any training. In the culpable hands of Boerman, certain audience members get the chance to put that theory to the test, although, of course, there are a few pitfalls along the way.
Following last year’s viral hit of the economy-class folding-a-bed-sheet-of-paper-on-Carlton-Hill variety, Boerman has brought a business-class premise and low-budget stand-up grandeur to the show. Thankfully, this isn’t a walk-through of a concept, like watching your mates play Mario Kart on the big screen for an hour. It brings in plenty of classic stand-up, from friendly Edinburgh jibes about the Co-op’s diversity policy to, mostly, the joys and horrors of travel, pilot licensing and near misses along the way.
His audience work is the VIP ticket to success here, and he selects his audience members with precision to test the DIY flight simulator software. He even invites Lithuanian comedian Donatas Staneika along for the ride, and the banter exchanges are great.
It’s a simple idea, executed well, with huge possibilities for expansion, and Boerman, the captain of mirth in the cockpit, has created something wonderful.
So forget flicking through the travel brochure. It’s laughing gears down, full speed ahead to your next glorious comedy destination.

****
Reviewed by Steve H
Slice 4 at Hoots @ Hilton (Bread Street)
7 – 31 Aug Various times