Sean Burnett Dugdale-Martin
San Fran is dimly lit and abuzz with others as we settle in for Right About Now by renowned NZ comedian James Nokise. Nokise opens his set by addressing the Newtown fire that occurred in the early hours of the morning that same day. Before I came I was curious to see if he would mention it. He comes from Newtown. His Grandfather founded the Pacific Islanders Presbyterian Church in Newtown and Nokise’s father presides there as the minister today. Nokise articulated that he knew some people wouldn’t have the energy to come in for a show after such a tragedy, but he also knew that it's at times like these when some people need jokes the most.
Nokise is fast and passionate. He energetically sprints through stories, into history lessons, into jokes, into other stories. If you have a spare night, go sit in and watch this guy work! Highlights for me from the night are definitely his stories about the late, great Georgina Beyers. Nokise is politically critical but in a way that is open, accessible and informative. I can’t speak too much to how accessible they are because I agree with Nokise’s perspective on pretty much everything he spoke to- or is it because of his charm that I can’t help but agree with him? From threatening Prime Ministers children to the parliament occupation to the colgate games, Nokise is thoughtful with his opinions and succinct with his jokes.
It felt as though Nokise didn’t have a set script or routine. It felt so genuine, and I can’t help but think about how the work of a great craftsperson is to make it look effortless, as Nokise does. He seamlessly goes from one story to another, right from the address of the Newtown tragedy at the top of the show. He was funny, insightful and present in the room, responding to silences, whoops, and call outs. I’ll admit I’ve started listening to his podcast since the show because I enjoyed him so much!
I will say that for audiences who aren’t politically engaged or interested then there are parts of this show that may not be for you! However, a large part of Nokise’s philosophy that is scattered throughout the show is that injustice and othering must be called out and dealt with. We know how to do it, we’ve done it before. Nokise ends the show on this theme in one of the most chilling endings to a comedy show that I’ve ever seen and I’m fascinated to know if it ends that way every time or just the night I went. Somebody go and comment under this review how he ended it the night they went!
Right About Now - James Nokise is a guaranteed laugh with some heartfelt and shocking moments sprinkled in. It’s obvious why he’s won the awards he’s got and has been given the platforms he has so do yourself a favour and catch this show between now and Saturday the 20th May, 8:45pm at San Fran. It was past my bedtime but I came out buzzing.
It felt as though Nokise didn’t have a set script or routine. It felt so genuine, and I can’t help but think about how the work of a great craftsperson is to make it look effortless, as Nokise does. He seamlessly goes from one story to another, right from the address of the Newtown tragedy at the top of the show. He was funny, insightful and present in the room, responding to silences, whoops, and call outs. I’ll admit I’ve started listening to his podcast since the show because I enjoyed him so much!
I will say that for audiences who aren’t politically engaged or interested then there are parts of this show that may not be for you! However, a large part of Nokise’s philosophy that is scattered throughout the show is that injustice and othering must be called out and dealt with. We know how to do it, we’ve done it before. Nokise ends the show on this theme in one of the most chilling endings to a comedy show that I’ve ever seen and I’m fascinated to know if it ends that way every time or just the night I went. Somebody go and comment under this review how he ended it the night they went!
Right About Now - James Nokise is a guaranteed laugh with some heartfelt and shocking moments sprinkled in. It’s obvious why he’s won the awards he’s got and has been given the platforms he has so do yourself a favour and catch this show between now and Saturday the 20th May, 8:45pm at San Fran. It was past my bedtime but I came out buzzing.