Gillian Cosgriff continues to cement her place as one of Australia’s most in-demand comedic cabaret musicians, especially during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. An award-winning talent, her 2023 hit show Actually, Good became one of the hottest tickets at Edinburgh Fringe.
It’s no surprise, then, that her highly anticipated new show, Fresh New Worries, is already selling out at this year’s Festival. Upon arrival, audience members are encouraged to consider the question, “What are you worried about?” and write down a worry to place in a box.
Showcasing her sensational vocal abilities and impeccable comedic timing, Fresh New Worries delivers a well-paced hour of original songs, stand-up, and light audience interaction. Cosgriff sticks to her tried-and-true style, and it’s clear why audiences love it.
If the phrase audience participation sends a shiver down your spine, fear not—it’s minimal, though you may want to avoid the first few rows. Cosgriff’s warm, playful nature ensures the crowd feels at ease.
This time around, Cosgriff incorporates personal stories and audience contributions to explore what makes us worry. From her opening question, “How’s everyone feeling?” she acknowledges the complicated state of emotions in 2025—“you can be excited yet generally terrified.”
Drawing from audience responses, she seamlessly weaves their worries into an improvised song, proving just how much common ground we all share. She candidly reveals her own growing list of anxieties. From climate change and AI to Googling nearly every intrusive thought, including, ironically, ‘how to reduce screen time.’
The worry box from the foyer becomes a very literal analogy for Pandora’s box. (Or was it Pandora’s jar? Thanks, Google and Greek mythology scholars, for the confusion).
Through reflections on her own (or someone’s) younger years, Cosgriff cleverly ties it all back to universal experiences. She masterfully blends nostalgia with satire, throwing in ‘90s references. From Copperart stores to Big Mouth Billy Bass, even reminiscing about the introduction of the McFlurry—earning big laughs from anyone over 30 (with handy explanations for younger fans).
Fresh New Worries is an undeniable standout of the Festival and another comic triumph for Cosgriff. A hilariously relatable show, it keeps audiences laughing while leaving them pondering life’s quirks right to the end. (Seriously, why is yellow the colour of hope?).
So forget your worries about missing this fabulous show—book now!
Gillian Cosgriff: Fresh New Worries is performing until 20 April at The Show Room, Level 3, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne as part of the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Tickets: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/fresh-new-worries#show-calendar
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/melbcomedyfestival/
Website: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/ and https://comedy.com.au/tour/gillian-cosgriff/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/gilliancosgriff/
Photo credit: Nicole Reed
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