By Jennifer Beasley.
The brilliant Tom Sainsbury proves once again that he is New Zealand’s best export.
Fabulous.
Well, that’s the end of the review.
Oh? You want more? I mean, it’s Tom Sainsbury, writer of more than 50 plays, contributor and actor on Wellington Paranormal, YouTube sensation, and generally one of the best stand-up comics around.
I feel he’s the type of comic that quite a few of the shows I’ve been to the comics really need to go to see and learn HOW to be a stand-up comedian. Sainsbury has a likeability score off the charts, and one of the best specificity I’ve seen in a comic, with the exception of Dylan Moran.
He doesn’t have to do much to get the 200 plus audience to love him. He’s just, well, nice. And he can tell a good story, ranging from childhood misdemeanours, speeding tickets and bad gigs to simple events like trying to get a sandwich in Melbourne, his YouTube clips and how to avoid ex-flatmate Joyce.
He is the definitive comedian, yet his razor-sharp delivery lands without fanfare, exploding into waves of laughter before he wanders around the stage and circles back to his first speeding fine.
Breaking his set up with a small game, audience members, if they wish to participate, call out their name, all in the quest to win a white mug.
It’s easy to see why his shows are sold out.
Warm, funny and inviting, Sainsbury’s quick wit and gentle manner scoop up the room, gently directing the laughs, and wrapping the show to thunderous applause.
Loved every minute and I’d dispute the critic who’d dared to call Sainsbury a ‘poor man’s Ned Flanders’ as he was described when he first started out. I’d say he is more like a creative genius, able to turn his hand to anything.
Go see this show. Simply a joy to watch.
Tom Sainsbury – Lessons Not Learnt now playing at Various Venues (please check MICF website for places and times) until 19th April 2026.
