There would be very few people who, at some stage in their lives, hasn’t been labelled as “dramatic”. Let me rephrase. There would be very few WOMEN who, at some stage in their lives, hasn’t been ACCUSED of being “dramatic”.
Perhaps this is why comedian Nikki Britton’s new stand-up Not To Be Dramatic at Adelaide Fringe struck such a nerve. Energetic and loud – in the best possible way – Britton is a masterclass in engaging storytelling.
The audience are taken on a journey detailing all the non-botoxed lines on the comedian’s face and the hilarious stories lovingly attached to them. In particular, a miraculous tale of discovery concerning a cob loaf spinach dip and how it changed her life was powerfully relatable. Then there was the very real science behind pony tails and what it says about you, unless you’re a man, then it’s just a red flag.
There’s no such thing as too much information at a Nikki Britton show. If you don’t want to hear about mid-flight diarrhoea or being fingered on your period and faking a haemorrhage, firstly – why not – and secondly, probably not the show for you.
There is a beautiful vulnerability about Britton’s style of comedy. A candid authenticity which brings about the same sense of ease as sitting in the pub with friends… while that one friend tells you a story about how their drunk mother gave a shovel to a known criminal and told them to row the dingy to save your dog.
This vulnerability is also present in Britton’s second show debuting at the Fringe, Not Your Nan’s Aerobics. Part exercise class, part counselling session, part comedy show, the performance encourages you to get the fuck out of your head and into your body. To rediscover that sense of child-like wonder you had with movement before society convinced you that your wobbly bits were something to hide, not celebrate.
The music and visual presentation was a perfect mix of 80s nostalgia meets early 2000s night club. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but an overwhelming sense of empowerment and love for my body was not on my bingo card. During one particularly poignant Celine Dion song I actually cried. I would suggest the primary audience for this show is women, as it delves in the misogynistic medical information concerning women’s bodies and really pushes back against the patriarchal bullshit society feeds women about how they should look and exist in the world. Having said that, hopefully men might learn something.
It is important to note that to get the most out of Not Your Nan’s Aerobics it’s recommended you come prepared to move around. It is a participatory show where you leave your ego at the door and embrace the awkwardness. Wear clothes you can move around in, including some delightful floor work, and be comforted by the fact you will likely never see any of these people ever again.
Nikki Britton is one of the funniest and most entertaining comedians you’ll likely ever see. And that’s not me being dramatic, it’s just facts.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Nikki Britton Not To Be Dramatic will perform at Adelaide Fringe until 22 February 2026.
For more information and to buy tickets head to the Fringe website.
Reviewer attended on Friday 20 February 2026.
Header image supplied
