“Sharp, relatable and effortlessly funny.”
Lianna Holston, our protagonist, was recently rejected by ACE for a global visa to stay in the UK, with her comedic work assessed as part of a collective rather than her own. In response, she’s now back with her hour-long audition for England, Haha, Oh God, hoping for a positive reaction—though, if the audience isn’t impressed, she’ll be deported immediately.
The show kicks off with a hilarious story about suffering, which feels fitting given the circumstances. Lianna recalls visiting a tarot reader who asked if she’d “experienced a lot of suffering.” Hours later, she receives her visa rejection while sitting on the toilet, marking the beginning of her comedic turmoil.
Her storytelling is sharp, awkward, and engaging as she recounts life’s mishaps, like attending a massage interrupted by an attempted coup in the US Capitol or falling down the stairs and questioning, “Are we still doing this?” Her take on UPS losing her passport is equally funny: Ur Passport Soz!
Lianna also shares self-deprecating stories about her body, including her “long ass” and how she’s been compared to the “drowned Ophelia” at the Tate Britain. Though she doesn’t embrace outdated beauty standards, she admits her friends weren’t wrong. She even compares herself to a rat—present, but largely ignored by men in the same way they view her.
The animal section is a standout, where the audience suggests animals for Lianna to riff on. Her take on giraffes—“Where would a necklace go on that neck?”—is a particular highlight. Other animals get equally hilarious treatments, from the panther who “leaves your messages unread” to flamingos, whom Lianna deems “Gaaaaaay.” And when she talks about how her family got bunnies to avoid dealing with their emotions, the room erupts in laughter.
Lianna’s comedy is sharp, relatable, and effortlessly funny. From the moment she says, “Please let me stay,” the audience is with her. This is a talent the UK needs—don’t let her leave!