Nina Conti: Whose Face Is It Anyway? – Pleasance Courtyard

Nina Conti’s Whose Face Is It Anyway? is a stand-up puppet comedy show that had the audience doubled over with laughter from the very first moment. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen in comedy—truly outstanding! Nina’s performance was nothing short of fabulous, showcasing her incredible talent. And Monkey? I absolutely love that little guy.

Her show was the highlight of my week, proving once again that she’s a consummate professional who makes an incredibly difficult skill look effortless. Managing four masked-up audience members on stage simultaneously takes serious confidence, and she pulled it off with ease.

The brilliance of Nina’s act lies in its spontaneity. The whole show felt genuinely live, with clever interactions that kept us on our toes. The interplay between Nina and Monkey was so seamless that it was easy to forget that Nina was the voice behind both characters. The way she involved the audience, masking them up and turning them into part of the act, was simply hilarious.

One of the standout moments was when she picked an environmentalist from the audience at random. Monkey’s sharp wit shone through as he asked, “What is an environmentalist doing in an airport?” The banter that followed, with the environmentalist describing her nerve-wracking job of watching planes all day, was both clever and comical. When Nina asked, “What can we do to help?” and the reply was a resigned “Nothing, it sucks,” the entire audience erupted in laughter.

But the best part of the show was undoubtedly Monkey Therapy. Nina invited audience members to come on stage and let Monkey “fix” their problems. One girl confessed she had stage fright, to which Monkey hilariously declared her cured since she was already on stage and laughing. Another audience member asked about the purpose of life, and Monkey’s deadpan response — Whiskey and toast — was nothing short of side-splitting.

The entire show was a total entertainment package. Nina’s ability to give distinct voices to Monkey, the masked audience members, and all the other characters without any visible lip movement is nothing short of extraordinary. The word “hilarious” doesn’t even begin to cover it—her skill is simply unbelievable. This was a show that will stick with me for a long time, and it’s an absolute must-see at the Fringe.

Reviewer: Saira Kunjuvalappil (Saira ks)

Reviewed: 25th August 2024

North West End UK Rating: