In Oli Bussell’s first solo show, Dad on Arrival, the Barcelona comedian shares his lived experience of first-time fatherhood.
There are many comedy shows about being a parent. Most of them give us a warm, glowy feeling, and Dad on Arrival is no exception. What sets this show apart is that Oli manages to avoid the cliché. The predominant feeling in Dad on Arrival isn’t love – it’s helplessness. It’s about a regular guy trying to do his best, thrust into a whirlwind of poop, Spanish bureaucracy, and a birthing suite stocked with garlic and jamón serrano. While the helplessness starts well before birth – Oli can’t seem to get his girlfriend pregnant without a magic amulet containing God’s seed – his son’s arrival brings no reprieve. Now, not only is there a baby to take care of, but there is limited breast time and penis envy. But it’s all ok, the paediatrician calls him papi.
Dad on Arrival is a seamless blend of sincere storytelling and punchlines. It will astonish viewers to learn that Oli only started comedy in 2023; Dad on Arrival feels like the project of a comedy veteran. There is no empty space, no filler; the loose ends have been tied up and the writing is crisp and filled to the brim with punchlines. The comedic momentum is not lost, even in the very serious moments.
Polished comedic delivery complements Dad on Arrival’s excellent writing. Oli himself is mild-mannered and unassuming, which makes it all the more entertaining when he recounts, for instance, his attempt to produce a sperm sample in the fertility clinic bathroom while a disabled man tries to open the door. The show includes custom sound effects, thoughtfully chosen to immerse us in the narrative. Oli’s wry, expressive style conveys as much as his jokes do; it is delightfully clear that he enjoys every minute of performing. While the show felt a little rushed at the end, and could perhaps do with some better time management, this is a laughably minor grievance for its first run.
Dad on Arrival reminded me of something my dad said to me once. “I don’t know how to be a dad. I’m just a guy”. Even if a baby is not on your radar, seeing this show might help you to see your own creation a little differently – just try to ignore the garlic stench.
Oli hosts his own excellent show at the Secret Comedy Club, 15 Minutes of Fame.
You can follow him on Instagram here.
