Review: Emmanuel Sonubi – Life After Near Death, Fringe 2025

Emmanuel Sonubi’s latest show, Life After Near Death, is a surprisingly light-hearted exploration of a very serious topic.

The two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee has a story to tell, and it has clearly changed him. Sonubi, a former bouncer with a physically imposing presence, has survived a serious heart condition. This brush with mortality has prompted a deep, comedic reflection on his life, his career, and what truly matters. Despite the heavy premise, Sonubi delivers a hilarious and heartfelt hour of comedy that is pure Fringe gold.

A Solidly Slick, Professional Hour

There is nothing amateur about this show. Sonubi, a man who has graced major stages from cruise ships to Dubai, is in his element. He is the consummate professional, commanding the Pleasance Cabaret Bar stage with a polished ease that is a pleasure to watch. The show is tightly structured and delivered with impeccable timing. While it may not be groundbreaking in its format, it is a masterclass in execution. This is a show that knows exactly what it is: a slick, one-hour sketch of a man’s journey through a major life change. The laughs come consistently, and Sonubi’s charm is so immediate that he wins the audience over within minutes.

Charisma, Compassion, and Comedy

Sonubi’s charisma is his greatest asset. He is a genuinely personable man, and he brings this to the forefront in a show that is both witty and reflective. He muses on important topics, like telling people you love them and the normalisation of drugs and alcohol in society. He doesn’t shy away from the serious, but he frames it all through a comedic lens, arguing that everything is about perception.

His ability to humanise himself is a key part of the show’s success. The simple act of taking on his glasses and off, for instance, visibly transforms his face and connects him to the audience. He speaks with a refined English accent that adds to his polished performance, wielding it like a weapon. It’s no surprise that the room was filled with a diverse crowd, from Gen Z to silver-haired matriarchs, all laughing equally and with gusto.

Overall

Life After Near Death is a classic Pleasance Courtyard comedy show. It’s the kind of performance you can enjoy with a drink in the courtyard before, or with a whole group of mates squeezed in around you. While it might not rewrite the comedy rulebook, it is a fantastic hour of hysterics that will have you laughing from start to finish. It’s professional, personable, and profoundly funny.