Did you know that Laser Kiwi are the world’s only surreal comedy sketch circus? If you didn’t, don’t worry, they’ll tell you. This trio of New Zealanders take their audience on a meticulously planned yet completely chaotic journey of comedy carnage. Grab your 3D glasses and sketch-by-sketch programme for the evening and prepare to become an olive.

Laser Kiwi’s absolutely nonsensical sketches blur together into a whirlwind of total confusion. From impressive rope climbing to slightly less skilful popcorn throwing, one thing is certain about this lot: they’re very entertaining. They were also circus-award winners at Australia’s Fringe World 2023; and for good reason. It wouldn’t be sketch comedy (sorry, surreal sketch circus comedy) without a few hiccups, which only strengthen the performer-audience bond (we’re all in this together).

Performer Zane Jarvie stands with his face to the ceiling, a Martini balanced five feet above his head on a pole. We’re forced to watch for a painful however-long until he finally manages to toss an olive into the glass. Or until a rogue audience member falsely informs him, at some volume, that his fly is down. Despite a few obvious filler scenes and some cracks that don’t quite hit the mark (cough cough, the Bible rap), Rise Of The Olive is unhinged and undoubtedly hilarious.

Laser Kiwi: Rise Of The Olive, Assembly Roxy, until 27 August, 7.50pm.