In an attempt to put New Zealand on the map – quite literally, given that it is frequently omitted from important world maps, including the boardgame Risk – Sully O’Sullivan delivers a whistle-stop tour of the misconceptions, tales, and quirks of his homeland.
As the daughter of a Kiwi, I like to think I have a fairly good understanding of New Zealand culture and humour. I knew this show would be entertaining, as there is something inherently hilarious about a joke delivered in a Kiwi accent. However, I did not expect an hour-long stand-up comedy show to educate me quite so extensively, leaving me to wonder whether I might actually be a complete idiot.
For example, did you know that New Zealand is nowhere near Australia? In fact, the distance between the two can be compared to a journey from Scotland to Algeria! Crazy. I called my dad immediately after the show to impart some of my newfound knowledge, and I think he was impressed.
The show attracted an eclectic audience, with a comforting handful of Kiwi accents detectable upon arrival at the venue. The room immediately gets to know one another as O’Sullivan engages us with a series of icebreakers. His energy does not drop once, with his contagious enthusiasm and sharp observations resulting in a punchy and informative piece of comedy.
The floor is then opened and the roles reversed, as the show closes with a Q&A, giving the audience the opportunity to ask O’Sullivan any pressing questions about New Zealand, or The Lord of the Rings. The hour flies by, and the room is filled with relentless giggles and cheers, which are a testament to the comfortable atmosphere O’Sullivan creates throughout his set.
If you are from New Zealand, planning to visit, or simply hoping to broaden your knowledge, you cannot miss this show. You never know when you may need to call upon a niche New Zealand fact to win a pub quiz.
A Complete Idiot’s Guide to New Zealand is running until 30 August at Laughing Horse @ Kick Ass Cowgate.
Buy tickets here.
Image Credits To Sully O’Sullivan
