Words: Elodie Marriott 
Image: Matt Stronge

4 stars 

“Welcome to the basement. Thank you for being so easy to lure in.” 

Pierre Novellie is essential viewing for fans of observational comedy. In a very matter-of-fact manner he explains how ridiculous we all are. Whether it’s the UK’s addiction to TV shows about “lying and betraying for money” or the fact that our town centres get “5% shitter every year”, the crowd eagerly anticipates which aspect of our lives Novellie will shed his uniquely discerning light on next. 

You Sit There, I’ll Stand Here is a smartly written show with an eclectic breadth of topics. From his bewilderment at the economy, Winnie the Pooh’s classification as a Post-Eden animal, an in-depth analysis of a sickening scene he witnessed at his gym, “let’s assume the perpetrator’s bum was pointing down,” Novellie is immensely entertaining. But it’s his extended anecdotes about taking an Australian hotel’s eco-friendly initiative too far and the One About The Beef where he really excels in wringing out every possible laugh. 

Successful observational comics find the fun in the everyday, unnoticed rituals we mindlessly accept. Pierre Novellie is so skilled, he makes you rethink your whole life. 

Pierre Novellie: You Sit There, I’ll Stand Here 
Monkey Barrell Comedy
19.00
1 – 24 Aug