The “We’re Not Related” Show is a showcase of six up and coming comedians, trialling some fresh material in the intimate, safe space that is The Nostalgia Box. As the title of this show states, this troupe are coming together for the first time, with all signs pointing to this being quite the unique band of comedic eccentrics - this could get interesting!

Starting us off for the evening is Daniel - an apparent last-minute addition to the set, supposedly covering for our host who’s running a bit late and is “probably still in quarantine”. After plying us with some “fill-in” stories of long hair, top knots, and cultural appropriation, we find out it’s all a ruse - Robbie’s not late, he’s in hiding. 

With a sudden emergence from a cardboard box, our host Robbie Brooks, is apparently a theatrical and very patient comedian. “I’ll never be a normal man”, he tells us, as he launches off this unpredictable and cackle-inducing show.

Courtney Maldo brings to the stage a breath of fresh air, providing a level of genuine connection and storytelling that kept the audience hooked on her every word. I found Courtney entertaining and educational, and hope you get the chance to one day hear the knee story - I’m still laughing in disbelief!

Next up was David Morgan-Brown, who recently turned 30, but seemingly channels his inner teen or twenty-something year old self to deliver cascading not-safe-for-work jokes and impressions you would certainly not tell your grandmother, but perhaps would pass on to a dodgy uncle with a taste for the C-bomb. 

The upbeat persona and constant smiles from the delightful Shash laid the groundwork for consistent audience laugher while he reflected on some comical cultural comparisons and made a good case for how he would improve the next James Bond movie. Definitely a crowd pleaser, so watch this space!  

With a change of pace, Aaron Smyth wrapped up the night by providing us with a snapshot into his childhood aspirations and current fears. Honest, relatable, and funny, he won us over.

While this showcase teetered on the unconventional and unpredictable, each comedian brought something unique and enjoyable to the show, and laughter (albeit, at times derisive) was in abundance. 

Look out for these folks, they’ve got ambition, imagination and moxy to spare!