Melbourne International Comedy Festival review

James Nokise exudes the vibes of a man who’s got his shit together. He is a charming, confident raconteur who welcomes everyone warmly to his room before cheerily regaling them with polished anecdotes and good-hearted observations.

So it comes as a surprise when such a friendly and assured performer reveals the suicidal lows of his depression – a reminder that mental health issues can hit anyone. Yet the Samoan comic recounts the incidents, which hit when living on a shoestring in London to follow his comedy dreams, with the same casual good humour that hallmarks the rest of his set. His endearing, untheatrical candour draws the audience in.

The intimacy of Nokise’s performance had already been established through affectionate tales of his father, a religious minister who didn’t share his colleagues’ backwards views on ‘bum sex’ – a topic that probably takes up too much space in this laid-back hour – and is forever bringing his comedian son back down to earth.

There’s some fascinating info, too. We learn the true meaning of the Maori Haka and how it’s not nearly as intimidating as it looks, as well as how Indigenous Samoans have a third gender, way ahead of the supposedly progressive West.

Nokise’s not a rabble-rouser but approaches social issues with humanity and caution. So he was somewhat surprised to find himself caught up in one of Glaswegian Janey Godley’s protests against Donald Trump. But not as surprised as his mates in New Zealand who spotted him on the telly.

The show, which Nokise has been performing since the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe, is probably too chilled to rock your world, but for an inviting and intimate hour of gently life-affirming storytelling, he’s your man. Your god damn fancy man.

• James Nokise: God Damn Fancy Man is on at Campari House at 9.50pm until April 23. It returns to the Edinburgh Fringe this August

Review date: 12 Apr 2023
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Melbourne International Comedy Festival