Heidi O'Loughlin: Cult Comedian

Life in a cult may be no laughing matter, but thankfully nobody told Heidi O'Loughlin. Nominated for best newcomer at last year's Barry Awards in Melbourne, the New Zealand-born standup has wasted no time in crafting an impressively elaborate setup for her new Fringe show, framing it as an orientation session for a small but fiercely dedicated sect devoted to the teachings of a mysterious Leader, who apparently enjoys a dabble in standup.

Although O'Loughlin is a vital and welcome part of the evening's entertainment, it is a little unjust that her name should be the only one highlighted: the show would not be possible—nor would it be as successful—without the presence and efforts of her three-man backup team, tasked with such duties as compering, impromptu rapping, musical accompaniment, building robots and distributing squash. In particular, Stephen Boyce, her second in command, sometimes allows the façade to drop away, and turns in some winning segments of observational comedy, even if jokes about living in London are a risky proposition before an Edinburgh audience.

Still, O'Loughlin arguably has the toughest job, splitting the talents between her own forever earnest but easily frustrated character, and assuming the persona of their cult leader during the various iterations of his standup career (her parody of self-consciously 'controversial' comics destroys an entire breed of standup with her opening line alone). While the show is perhaps a little slow to get going, Cult Comedian is often a satirical delight. And the fairy bread is delicious too.