REVIEW: Rusk, Nik Narain, EdFringe 2025 ★★★

After opening with some strong observational content about the venue, Nik launches straight into his show telling us about what rusks are and how we use them on teething babies, but in India they are still eaten by adults as they enjoy them dipped in tea as they soak up all of the flavour.

A self-professed lover of dad jokes, Nik drops them in relentlessly throughout the show to good use and often catching you off guard. He jumps from bit to bit a relatively quick pace always keeping the show moving and going forward. The fast pace is refreshing as the hour flies by under the complete control of Nik.

He starts to discuss how he’s become more involved in LGBTQ+ societies and organisations, volunteering during his summers off university. Being in and around these sorts of environments has allowed him to feel and become more of himself in recent years. Embracing this, you can really feel that Nik has definitely become more of himself as he exudes confidence while up on stage and controls the crowd in front of him with ease.

Also being South Asian in America, Nik talks about how coming out to his parents was strange in that they were supportive but also chose to never really ask any questions around the issue. Which against the current climate in America has become increasing more difficult to feel comfortable in who you are. So the fact he has been able to do so shows a real strength in him and one to be admired and taken on by others.

As much as Nik keeps the pace moving through the show, I did feel at times that some bits could have been fleshed out more and that there was more he could have gotten out of them. He had a strong punchline to round out each part. Given more time, he could have delved deeper and really gotten more laughs out of them.

Poignant, funny and great story telling, a show written by a queer person for queer person.

Recommended Drink: A nice warming tea to accompany your rusk.

You can catch Rusk until August 9th at Greenside at George Street – Fern Studio at 19:45. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.