Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

Reading back over the notes I made during Aurie Styla’s Green is to read a real-time account of myself being overcome by his charisma. 

Anyone unfamiliar with his work might question the wisdom of opening with a ‘kids say the funniest things’-style anecdote about his precocious nephew, but his unshowy confidence in his ability to master a room is well-founded. There’s a natural warmth to his presence that’s intoxicating and makes for one of the most moreish hours at the Fringe.

Moving from his nephew to his 89-year-old grandmother (with the requisite crowd-pleasing impression of an elderly Caribbean matriarch), and his fears for her health provides a neat segue into his experience of the pandemic, a strand he pursues for the rest of the show. 

Confounding popular wisdom again, his straightforward approach works remarkably well; it’s so refreshing to hear someone just talk about the pandemic and its effects without dancing around it, wallowing in self-examination, or obfuscating it with a clever theatrical advice. Not that he’s trying to pretend he’s above it all – the heart of this show is a ringing endorsement for therapy, friendly but impassioned. 

Initially, the way he talks about the pandemic with such good humour, you could be forgiven for thinking he’s presenting The Adventures Of A Well-Adjusted Man. When he starts talking about therapy, it’s a bit of a surprise, but it quickly becomes apparent that the therapy and being well-adjusted are linked.

Like many members of the Caribbean diaspora, Styla’s grandma didn’t want the vaccine, and the comic describes his stress in being locked down in his tiny flat in Wembley, without enough space to follow a Joe Wicks routine. In a slightly cheesy running joke, he describes Netflix preying on his anxieties at every turn. Clearly lockdown wasn’t all sunshine and roses for him, but he’s protected by a robust good humour and the wisdom to be able to take care of himself. 

He’s emerged from the experience with the vibe of a good personal trainer, but for the mind rather than the body. You come out of a session with Styla feeling optimistic, capable and energised. It makes total sense when he talks about going to the gym, and finds a way to talk about it that connects even to a reluctant and occasional patron. 

The crowd were on their feet by the end, floating out inspired and happy.

• Aurie Styla: Green is on at Pleasance Courtyard at 9.45pm

Review date: 14 Aug 2022
Reviewed by: Tim Harding
Reviewed at: Pleasance Courtyard