Playing at the NZ International Comedy Festival 2021
Brynley Stent is no stranger to the New Zealand comedy scene. A regular on local television and a seasoned player in Friday night Snort improv, Stent’s a recognisable and safe bet this comedy season and her latest offering, Soft Carnage, does not disappoint.
Framed through the lens of a therapy session, Stent comes in, finally ready to speak to the figurative therapist – an overhead unseen voice. However, she’s not here to talk about her problems, rather, Brynley segues through a series of skits and sketches, discussing everything but actual therapy – bringing to life observations based in the everyday, but with a relatable and all too true take. From her Twinings Herbal Tea ad that realises we all really just want a fruit juice, her desire to be commemorated as a dancing science room skeleton, or calling IRD and dealing with the automated customer service person, Soft Carnage is Stent at her finest, demonstrating a real knack for both physical comedy and great comedic timing.
What really sets Stent apart this comedy season is her ability to lean into the crowd. Drawing out the funny moments just right, and even handling her opening night technical glitches to enhance the show, not only come off awkwardly.
Soft Carnage is a standout show and might just cement Brynley Stent as one of New Zealand’s finest current comedy stars.
“10/10: Goddamn give her the Billy T!”