Brie Keatley
Johanna Cosgrove is an unabashed, energetic sweetie who goes all in on everything she does. Similarly, Johanna Cosgrove’s Sweetie (directed by Jess Joy Wood) is unabashed, energetic and goes all in.
This is my first time seeing Cosgrove live and I am immediately drawn in by her electric entrance which includes comparing herself to ‘Fern Gully’ and proudly telling the audience she once tried to seduce her high school crush by playing the alto sax and doing the splits. Cosgrove is endlessly intense in the best way possible as she leads us through some of the failed relationships in her life. This includes her recent discovery of her own queerness, a story which has me equally snapping in recognition and cringing… also in recognition. It is also incredibly affirming as a queer person to see these real life stories on stage.
Comedy, in my opinion, is best when it is mixed with storytelling. This is something Cosgrove excels at. Whether it be telling us about her deep connection to the Bog Woman or the time she directed a class of Polish children in Macbeth, Cosgrove has the audience entranced and laughing at all points. This is certainly helped by her physicality (Three years at drama school no less!) as she often used her impressive high kicks and outstanding facial expressions to nail a punchline. There is a moment where she is insisting about something to do with her father which is repeated with a knowing look that has the audience in stitches. I can only apologise for my squawking laughter at this point in the show - it’s a compliment I promise.
At its heart, Sweetie, is about Cosgrove’s love life and how she has learned to be okay with going all in on everything because that is who she is! This little glimpse into Cosgrove’s life has left me wanting more. I’m all in, sweetie and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Sweetie is on at BATS Theatre from the 6th to the 10th of May as part of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival. Tickets are available here
Brie is an MFA graduate and Production Manager. They are one of the founders of Inconceivable Productions whose most recent production, HAUSDOWN, was nominated for Best in Fringe 2025. Brie is a big fan of children’s theatre, comedy and puppetry.