This Melbourne singer and comedian had a three-year stint performing as a child wizard in a big Harry Potter stage show, which paid off her student debt. But the gruelling hours took their toll on her mental health, and she quit to go freelance. That brave jump allied to realising the importance of supportive friends, plus climbing the walls being stuck indoors with her partner during the pandemic partly inspired this show. Based on people’s lists of their ten favourite things, Actually, Good won Most Outstanding Show at 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

It should be said that Australian and Edinburgh audiences perhaps have slightly different tastes, with one veering more towards the life-affirming and upbeat and the other liking things a little more dark and cynical. But where this celebration of life’s tiny delights could stray into corny Amélie territory (Cosgriff hates being a born ‘goody two shoes’, as she puts it), this keeps on the right side of schmaltzy. Regular sprinkles of grit, existential malaise and death offset the smug and the sentimental.

The unscripted audience interaction parts are almost too speedily dealt with, as if Cosgriff feels more comfortable with pre-written gags than the riskier business of spontaneity; but it’s a well-oiled machine so those slightly glib bits pass quickly. Mixing together pre-written songs, smooth onstage patter and shouted-out bits from the crowd, Cosgriff delivers a warm, mood-enhancing show about appreciating life’s simple pleasures.

Gillian Cosgriff: Actually, Good, Pleasance Courtyard, until 27 August, 8.20pm.