Techno Glitter Penguins @ Underbelly, Cowgate

An alternative comedy experience awaits in Techno Glitter Penguins

Review by James McColl | 19 Aug 2016

Most alternative acts don’t reference their alternative credentials as much as Nicole Henriksen, but it does provide an authetic stamp to her license to experiment on stage. She really is something of a delight – weird and wonderful but also concise enough in her observations to still offer both mainstream audiences and alternative fans a good time.

Henriksen, who performs most of the show as herself, acts as a sort of host for the evening. She introduces two characters: first is an electro-pop Londoner, performing several offbeat and weirdly delightful songs, followed by an even stranger cult leader and wannabe Jesus. Henriksen takes us on an absurd venture through the lives of these slightly unhinged creations, offering more than a quick laugh at their expense. There is plenty to enjoy about Henriksen; her struggles as an actor, battles with mental health and search for validation are handled with ferocity, wit and insightfulness.

The three-act show is further broken up by short films, something Henriksen has been developing with her YouTube channel for a while, giving the hour a cabaret feel. There are as many misfires as there are jokes that land, adding to the chaotic and shambolic nature of Henriksen’s show. This is an hour of comedy for people that want to see something different and weird.


Techno Glitter Penguins, Underbelly, Cowgate (Iron Belly), 4-28 Aug (not 16), 10.50pm, £6-10