Pierre Novellie's Standup Show: Gags So Good Resistance Is Futile
Pierre Novellie, the South African-born British comedian, has been making waves with his latest show, You Sit There, I'll Stand Here, at the Soho Theatre in London. In a performance that cleverly mines familiar comedy scenarios, Novellie delivers a set that is both intellectually sharp and laugh-out-loud funny, proving that observational comedy still has plenty of life left in it.
Observational Comedy in the Modern Age
Novellie begins his show with a protest that life is getting harder for observational comedians. He argues that in today's siloed times, we have fewer shared reference points. However, this theory is immediately undercut as he dives into two of the most relatable topics in comedy: becoming middle-aged and moving to the suburbs. His clever and humorous take on these universal experiences sets the tone for the evening.
Throughout the first half, Novellie adheres to familiar tropes of thirtysomething standup. He fusses over dishwasher stacking and expresses a fear of turning into a crusty old colonel. While these themes might seem well-trodden, Novellie's writing elevates them with wit and precision.
Dazzling One-Liners and Stiff Delivery
One might be tempted to conclude that Novellie is a better writer than performer. His one-liners are frequently dazzling, such as his quip: I played rugby at school the same way that horses fought in the war. However, his delivery can come across as a little stiff, and the show's format is somewhat conventional. For a portion of the performance, this might lead audiences to question his stage presence.
But any doubts are quickly bulldozed by the sheer quality of Novellie's routines in the second half. His grumpy riff on how people dress in airports, complete with a droll sidebar on Winnie the Pooh's couture, is entertaining. Yet, it pales in comparison to what follows.
Highlights and Mini-Masterpieces
The standout routine involves a game of chicken Novellie played with the cleaners in his Melbourne hotel, focusing on the establishment's eco-friendly laundry policy. This segment is a mini-masterpiece of extensio ad absurdum, showcasing his ability to turn a mundane situation into comedic gold.
The show culminates with a mock-epic shaggy dog story about Novellie's house move. He describes lumbering across London with six tote bags of bleeding beef strung from his neck, a tale that recalls the hapless misadventures of comedians like Rhod Gilbert and Ian Smith. While Novellie may not have the expansive stage personality of those peers, his storytelling is compelling.
Range of Expression and Curmudgeonly Charm
In the climactic set piece, Novellie demonstrates that his range of expression, though narrow, remains potent. His wrung-out thousand-yard stare as he greets his removal men, accompanied by the line I'm not the man they left behind, is a moment of pure comedic genius. It hints that his crusty-colonel curmudgeonliness might be more than just a caricature.
Overall, You Sit There, I'll Stand Here proves that observational comedy in 2026 is far from dead. With dazzling one-liners and expertly crafted stories, Pierre Novellie delivers a show that is both thought-provoking and hilariously entertaining. Catch it at the Soho Theatre in London until 31 January, before it goes on tour.
