Ruth Agnew says Nicola Brown delivers a funny exploration of invisibility

In a review, Ruth Agnew reports on Nicola Brown’s work-in-progress show, Invisible to the Naked AI, performed at Little Andromeda on Saturday, 3 October 2026, arguing that the comedian delivers a fast-paced, funny exploration of middle-aged female invisibility.

Nicola Brown Brings Middle-Age Observations to Dunedin Stage

Dunedin hosts several hidden treasures like the Museum of Natural Mystery, the Lan Yuan Chinese Garden, and the Dead Souls Bookshop, according to the review. Reviewer Ruth Agnew points to comedian Nicola Brown as another local standout who frequently travels to share her work. Brown performed her new work-in-progress show, Invisible to the Naked AI, at Little Andromeda on 3 October 2026.

The premise of the show centers on the idea that women over forty grow increasingly invisible in society. Agnew notes that Brown demonstrates this concept using photos of her dance troupe where she cannot locate herself, alongside a story about hitting a woman with her car that nearly turned into a meet-cute origin story.

Tackling Taboo Health Topics With Humor

Invisible to the Naked AI follows Brown’s previous solo show, Space Invaders, which focused on vaginal prolapse. Agnew writes that Brown’s comfortable oversharing regarding subjects that shouldn’t remain taboo offers valuable cultural commentary given the silence surrounding women’s health. During the performance, Brown repeatedly reminds the audience that the vulva refers to external genitals while the vagina is internal, ensuring attendees do not confuse the two terms.

Despite the show’s title, Agnew reports that artificial intelligence does not feature in the production, aside from some Australian festival photographs taken by a professional photographer. Instead, the performance relies on storytelling, anecdotes, and a three-minute choreographed dance party featuring lighting effects where the audience joins in shimmying to Queen. Agnew also notes Brown’s background as a 1990s aerobics instructor and wearer of MC Hammer pants.

Agnew Encourages Audiences to Catch the Show

Agnew encourages audiences to catch the show when it returns. Post-performance, Brown is described as approachable and pleasant to talk with, matching her on-stage persona.