Words: Haneul Lee

4 stars

BriTANicK, the dynamic duo of Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher, deliver a comedy show that showcases their well-honed skills as sketch comedians and YouTube stars. Known for their sharp wit and absurd humour, the pair bring a uniquely American energy to the Fringe, though the show takes a moment to find its stride.

The opening is somewhat slow, with heavy use of sound effects that initially suggest a different tone than the one that ultimately emerges. However, this is intentional misdirection. Every sound, no matter how excessive it seems at first, is ingeniously referenced later in the show, making for a tightly constructed set where no joke is left behind. The callbacks are a brilliant example of comedic structure, pulling the
audience into an intricate web of running gags and punchlines that land with precision.

Audience interaction is a highlight, particularly their digs at the Fringe itself. The show kicks off with a meta joke about a bad review, only to escalate into a hilariously exaggerated rant about online Fringe reviewers—a moment that feels both personal and universally funny, especially for anyone familiar with the festival scene.

Brian’s physicality, especially when he appears as a marionette, adds a layer of slapstick to the show, showcasing the duo’s versatility. While the show might take a minute to hit its full comedic stride, once it does, BriTANicK delivers a cleverly constructed and consistently entertaining performance that leaves the audience laughing until the final callback.

BriTANicK: Dummy
Pleasance Courtyard – Above
20:00
Aug 21-25