Gordon Southern: The Longest Year | Adelaide Fringe 2022 review

Southern may be the only comic who can get away with talking about Covid for 50 minutes without it feeling overdone.

Gordon Southern: The Longest Year.

Gordon Southern: The Longest Year

Comedy

Rating ****

The Howling Owl

Until March 12

Southern may be the only comic at this year’s festival who can get away with talking about Covid for 50 minutes without it feeling overdone.

The accomplished UK comedian became stranded in Adelaide at the beginning of the pandemic and has used his time wisely, developing an oddly specific understanding of South Australian culture, including a let’s say … unusual description of Maggie Beer’s quince paste.

Turning a mirror on the past two years, Southern walks audiences through the ups and downs of his pandemic experience, but remarkably does so in a way which adds something fresh and relatable.

His upbeat delivery produces an energetic and playful performance, which provides audiences with plenty of laughter, astoundment and unavoidable smiles.

Southern’s quick wit helps him shake off any trip ups, and his ability to think on his feet helps him stand out among the sea of comedians at this year’s Fringe.