Loyiso Gola @ Gilded Balloon

An edifying hour with Loyiso Gola

Review by James McColl | 14 Aug 2017

An act not obsessed with British politics, Loyiso Gola is rare in the current comedy climate indeed. Compared to the 'rock n roll' South African politicians he is used to, Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May seem pretty tame.

Gola is a calm and laid-back performer, rarely rustling any feathers. In Unlearning, self improvement is at the heart of the show as Gola wants to unlearn some of his hangups. The conditioned thinking of previous generations including his racist grandfather – having lived during apartheid for the majority of his life, it's something he is keen to avoid.

Trying to unlearn prejudice and any behaviour is a tricky thing to do, often leading to some of Gola’s best stories. He is a captivating talker, regularly diverting from routines to divulge an interesting part of history that most crowds won’t know about. It’s not always a formula for laughs but Gola does keep the audience transfixed with his anecdotes.


Loyiso Gola: Unlearning, Gilded Balloon, Teviot (Balcony), until 28 Aug (not 14), 9pm, £8-11

http://www.theskinny.co.uk/festivals/edinburgh-fringe/comedy