Fresh New Worries: Gillian Cosgriff – MICF (2025)

Presented by A Token Event

Finely crafted and a well integrated hour of comedy, Gillian Cosgriff is too talented for words. She can make even the most pessimistic of us laugh in the face of anxiety

Reviewed by Matthaios Hortomaris
VENUE ACMI – Arts Centre Melbourne – The Show Room. 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
DATES April 1 – 20 (no shows on Mondays).
Tickets: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/fresh-new-worries/

Type: Musical Comedy, Stand Up
If You Liked: Michelle Brasier, Inside Out, Master of None

4 STARS

In 2025 I think something everyone can agree on is that there are just so many issues to be worried about. Stressing out about imaginary conversations and overthinking about something we said years ago, it seems like everyone is in a constant state of spiral. Gillian Cosgriff’s new show Fresh New Worries is catered to anyone who shares these sentiments…so basically everyone.

For anyone unfamiliar with Cosgriff’s work, her previous show Actually, Good pretty much won all the awards to ever exist (and you can see what we thought of it here). So when a new hour-long show was announced, I jumped out of my seat with excitement. Before the show even commenced, there was a box and paper in the foyer, asking people to jot down their worries and place it inside. When it was time for the show to start, this ‘worries’ box became Pandora’s for the evening, with even a brief lesson on the mythology itself. Given Cosgriff’s numerous talents, this was layered with hilarious insights, a musical number, and even a heartfelt take home message to ponder over.

The whole hour continues on in this fashion. Without giving anything away, each topic follows this pattern. From finding common ground, spiralling due to almost everyone having an opinion, and even a singing fish that I’m sure everyone knows once they see it. Consgriff expertly crafts each idea, while also managing to weave everything together cohesively. 

Cosgriff is an absolute pro when it comes to her performance. There seems to be a lot of people who think they can give stand up a crack, and I urge these people to watch this show mainly to make them realise that there is a difference between cracking some jokes, and putting on a full hour of engaging, and hilarious comedy. Oh and not to mention the way Cosgriff works with a loop pedal! Watching her use this is legitimate witchcraft.

Fresh New Worries shines a light on modern day problems where we live with all the information in our pockets. Cosgriff is able to not only demonstrate such finely crafted comedy, but gets everyone to laugh in the face of adversity. This is not a show to miss.

Book tickets to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 here.