As someone new to stand-up comedy, I strategically chose a seat mid-crowd, hoping to avoid being singled out. Thankfully, my fears were misplaced—Guneet Kaur isn’t the kind of comedian who relies on audience embarrassment. Instead, she captivates with a mix of sharp observational humour, offbeat storytelling, and meticulously researched fun facts that make you question everything you thought you knew about life’s strangest debates.

Her one-woman show, In Defense of the Pigeon, is a delightful mix of the absurd and the intellectual. From pondering whether pandas are actually worth saving from extinction to discussing the general public’s unexpected misuse of suicide hotlines, Kaur’s material is both unpredictable and strangely thought-provoking. Her delivery is deadpan, her timing impeccable, and her ability to find humour in the quirkiest corners of reality makes for a refreshingly unique show.

Beyond the random (but hilarious) hot takes on current issues and her side hustle in disability support, Kaur also delves into more personal territory, offering candid reflections on her own sexuality and the misconceptions surrounding it. Her honesty and self-deprecating sense of humour make her all the more endearing, allowing the audience to connect with her on a deeper level, while still laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.

But perhaps the highlight of the night was her PowerPoint presentation—yes, a PowerPoint in a comedy show. Complete with citations and detailed slides, it added an extra layer of hilarity and absurdity, making her set feel almost like a mini TED Talk gone off the rails.

Smart, original, and endearingly funny, Guneet Kaur proves that stand-up doesn’t have to be predictable to be entertaining. In Defense of the Pigeon is a must-see at this year’s FRINGE WORLD Festival for anyone who enjoys comedy that’s as clever as it is ridiculous.