Words: Calum Baxter

4 Stars

The Kiwi comic known for his deadpan delivery and iconic grey suit, Ray O’Leary has been nominated two years running for Best Male Comedian by the New Zealand Comedy Guild. Additionally, he has been twice nominated for New Zealand Comedy Festival’s prestigious Billy T James Award.

Ray O’Leary brings us his show, “Your Laughter Is Just Making Me Stronger” following on from his nomination for Most Outstanding Show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

His poodle perm hairstyle is very apt considering his penchant for a good shaggy dog story. He surmised that his philosophy degree may be the reason why he tackles subjects from every conceivable possible angle, addressing topics such as bed linen, song fade outs, depression in dogs and their human companions, ethics of abortion and video recorded funeral services.

The reassuring cadence to his deadpan delivery ensures that gags are excellently timed and when it seems like the punchline to a gag is inevitable Ray invariably finds a way to wrong-foot his audience on several occasions.

Whilst I was initially worried that his intentionally monotone delivery might send me off to sleep, I became in awe of the talented performer’s ability to captivate his audience while discussing the most mundane topics. I encourage audiences to seek out this rising star in stand-up comedy in Edinburgh while they have the opportunity to do so.

Ray O’Leary: Your Laughter Is Just Making Me Stronger
Assembly George Square Studios – Studio Four
17:20
Aug 16 – 25