Cheeky review: Devin Gray – Golden Retriever Energy, 2026

South African comedian Devin Gray brings his latest hour, Golden Retriever Energy, to the Fringe Room at Laughing Horse @ Kick Ass Cowgate for the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Tucked away on the historic Cowgate, a ten-minute walk from Waverley Station, the venue delivers an authentic Fringe atmosphere, close, intimate, and surprisingly comfortable with open windows to beat the August mugginess.

Gray delivers an exceptionally warm, sharply written hour that navigates anxiety, love, and cultural transitions with effortless charm. While officially carrying an 18 rating, likely a product of the pub venue setting rather than overtly aggressive material, the performance feels far more wholesome, driven by Gray’s natural enthusiasm and charismatic stage presence.

Peeling Back the Mask

The title of the show is no misnomer. Gray embodies that quintessential, eager-to-please warmth, yet beneath the sunny disposition lies a nuanced, deeply honest narrative. He strips away the armour to explore personal anxieties and the work required to sustain a loving relationship, using his recent move to the UK as a lens to compare his past with his present.

Gray handles potentially prickly subjects with light-footed precision. In a city where certain pop-culture topics carry unexpected baggage, he navigates a Harry Potter joke with clever wit, side-stepping hostility in favour of sharp, observant humour. His perspective as a South African integrating into British life adds a brilliant layer of contrast, offering a refreshing take on local life that lands smoothly with the Edinburgh crowd.

Charisma Without the Edge

Crowd interaction during the set feels collaborative rather than combative. Gray is not a comic who preys on the front row; instead, he riffs off communicative audience members with genuine delight, turning unexpected banter into some of the show’s brightest moments. His style creates a safe, welcoming room where the audience is invited to share in the joy of the hour.

His material moves beyond simple observations, building a cohesive picture of a comedian who understands both his craft and his identity. The writing is clever, the delivery is impeccably timed, and the overall feel is one of an artist stepping confidently into a larger spotlight.

Overall

Devin Gray’s Golden Retriever Energy is a joyous, beautifully balanced hour of stand-up that delivers big laughs without sacrificing heart. For those seeking authentic Fringe comedy from a rising talent destined for much larger rooms, this show is an absolute must-see.