Sasha Nezlobin: I’m Fine (Edinburgh Fringe preview)

If you’re from a Russian speaking part of the world your probably already aware of Sasha Nezoblin. For those of us who aren’t the actor/comedian was a huge star in Russia, creating and starring in several hit TV shows (Including a self titled one about his own life.) Forced to flee to the US with his wife and family after speaking out against the war in Ukraine he has had to start from scratch and rebuild his life, ‘I’m fine’ is his first show written in English.

The Pleasance theatre where tonight’s performance is taking place may only be a small venue but the show is completely sold out and the majority Russian expat audience are buzzing with excitement, before the show starts Nezoblin mingles with the crowd, chatting amiably and posing for selfies.

Eventually he disappears and we are shepherded into the theatre, the lights dim and Nezloblin takes to the stage, although his English is faltering he has an undeniable presence and you can tell he’s a seasoned performer, as he recounts the story of his family’s forced exodus from their comfortable life in Moscow and their struggles adapting to life in the US with unflinching honesty, finding humor in the unlikeliest of places such as getting homesick from watching Russian porn!

He also tackles the political climate in Russia recounting facts that sound incredible to western ears such as the LGBTQ movement being classed as a terrorist organization and that you would get more jail time for posting ‘Stop the war’ on Instagram than you would for rape!

To even attempt to do stand up in another language is brave, and like any good comedian Nezlobin owns the fact his English isn’t perfect and uses it as a source of material often to great effect, however I don’t think it’s unfair to say there were a few points where his struggles with the language caused his performance to meander a bit. But don’t let that put you off when he gets it right he gets it very very right and believe me there are a LOT of laughs to be had in this heartfelt, rough diamond of a show.

If your heading to Edinburgh fringe this August then make sure you put this on your to do list

Sasha from Russia I wish you all the very best!

Sacha Nezlobin is performing at Pleasance Dome theatre from Aug 5th-31st see link for more info https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/sasha-nezlobin-im-fine

Star rating: **** 4/5