Directors: Tom Clarkson and Owen Visser
Following a successful WIP season in Australia, comedian Abby Govindan comes to Underbelly Boulevard Soho for one night only to deliver an excellent performance of her new show, Abby Govindan: Pushing 30. Tom Clarkson and Owen Visser (of Mr Thing fame) direct a performance that demonstrates the enormous talents of Govindan.
The first act is made up of two opening comedians, Shalaka Kurup and Eshaan Akbar, before Govindan makes her entrance in the second act. Coming to prominence in 2017 on Broadway, Govindan quickly made a name for herself as a comedian and boasts an impressive fanbase, repeatedly selling out shows across the United States and beyond. During the evening, Govindan talks about ageing, gender stereotypes, and breaking the outdated cultural tradition of arranged marriages, somehow making it all very funny.
Kurup opens by telling the ‘white people’ in the crowd that she is not Abby Govindan. The ice is immediately broken, and her short but sweet set is received with immediate and continuous laughter. Akbar follows and is superb. Akbar, a born-and-raised Londoner, is probably the best received of the three, presumably because his jokes are the most relatable to a London crowd. Akbar jokes about football, identity, mixed cultures (Pakistani-Bangladeshi or Irish-English), code-switching, and letting a dog lick your face being the antithesis of South Asian culture. The interval comes at a good time, with the audience enjoying themselves and looking forward to Govindan, who does not disappoint.
Govindan has a natural charisma that lends itself to the show; the audience is immediately caught up in her meandering comedic storytelling. Use of a PowerPoint throughout works well.
The set is at times a little too tailored to an American audience, and some jokes (Waymo cars, San Fran tech boys) go slightly over the audience’s head. Although as Pushing 30 is touring globally, it is no surprise that Govindan cannot tailor every joke to a UK audience.
The show finishes strong, as Govindan discusses the importance of educating women, particularly South Asian women, and making sure they break free from stereotypically patriarchal values. Govindan makes the point that South Asian culture is a key part of her identity, but it is possible to filter out the good and leave the archaic.
The general organisation of Govindan’s set feels tremendously professional. While not all of the jokes land perfectly, the show has a complete arc and a good amount of serious dialogue peppered in with the humour. Govindan feels like a celebrity not yet fully realised, with a magnetic stage presence and effortless confidence. Based in New York, Govindan turns up in a Warriors-style leather vest, self-assuredness flowing out of her as she fires off jokes. Pushing 30 is the show of a star in the making.
Reviewed on 19 June 2026, then continues to tour, finishing at the Edinburgh Fringe on 30 August 2026
