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Rhys Darby: The Legend Returns

 
Laura Tucker Review by Laura Tucker 4 Published: 5 Aug 2025 Pleasance Courtyard Show Dates: 1 Aug 2025-10 Aug 2025

Was it really 13 years ago that we last saw Rhys Darby perform live? You wouldn’t know it by looking at him – careening across the stage in skinny jeans, a tight black tee, and a much fuller, blonder hairstyle than before – this Kiwi comedy icon remains gloriously ageless.

Darby might not save us from the robots – but he’ll at least make you forget they’re coming

Best known for his roles as band manager Murray in Flight of the Conchords and the gentleman pirate in Our Flag Means Death, Darby now turns his talents to single-handedly thwarting AI-led dystopia, in his first stand-up show in over a decade: The Legend Returns.

Darby himself is keenly aware that time is creeping on, opening with observational musings about his place in the modern world as an ageing tech-obsessed dad, using absurd metaphor and loop-station hijinks to get us on side.

Despite smoke machines to hint at his professional success, Darby relies chiefly on simple, self-made charm. In a masterclass of sound-effect-laden storytelling, he 'skrrrts' around the stage, weaving apparently disparate anecdotes into a tightly structured story of his own future heroism, with crowd-pleasing callbacks and drone impressions connected by absurd run-on metaphors. It’s silly, yes – but also sharp as a Tesla Cybertruck.

When the occasional joke falls flat, Darby gives a knowing goofball grin to earn instant forgiveness from his audience. Groan-worthy Roomba puns aside, Darby is as good as he always was – with an untamable physicality that is both endearing and attention-grabbing.

Darby’s latest offering may be nothing more than an hour of escapism from reality – but, armed with the intensely human, low-tech charm of someone making chopper noises into the mic, he proves it’s duly needed.

Rhys Darby might not save us from the robots – but, for a bit, he’ll at least make you forget they’re coming.

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The Blurb:

The Kiwi icon returns after 13 years with a new stand-up show for 2025. In a world full of AI and robot tech can a simple dad with slightly too-tight jeans stay relevant? Ancient astronaut theorists say yes! Rhys hopes to prove that right now a touch of very human silliness is more important than ever. Perhaps his unique human skills, once thought of as absurd, might be useful after all! Famous for TV shows like Flight of the Conchords and Our Flag Means Death, Darby is excited to return to the stand-up stage.