August 28, 2024 
The QR
Soness Stevens is the English voice of Hello Kitty, and a well-known voice in the entertainment wonderland known as the video games industry. She comes to the Edinburgh Fringe with ‘Big in Japan’, a show about Soness herself – not her job.Once you understand that you’ll enjoy this show a great deal, not least because of Soness’s immense heart as a performer. Yes, it turns out that the English voice of the world’s most famous, entirely wholesome animated cat is also a lovely, warm person. Sometimes the Wizard turns out to be the real deal.It’s immediately clear that Soness loves people: talking to them, getting to know them, and finding common ground. I’m quite certain she could spend the entire hour just making merry with her newest room of friends.“It’s immediately clear that Soness loves people: talking to them, getting to know them, and finding common ground.”However, ‘Big in Japan’ is a comedy show, told in orbit around memories of Soness’s mother, and to a lesser extent, her current life in Japan with her husband. It’s not quite a rags-to-riches story, more sleeping in a car to comfort. Neither is this comedy as therapy. No, this is a warm and knowing look back on her formative years.On the other hand, anyone expecting more time spent on her voice-acting career may be a little disappointed. It is why she is ‘Big in Japan’ but this is a show about journey, not destination.Ultimately I doubt many people will be able to resist Soness’s charm as a storyteller, joke-teller or human being. It’s not a gag-fest, but it is like meeting someone you’re pretty sure could be your new best friend – someone you actively look forward to spending time around.That said, do expect to laugh at her ‘if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em’ approach to AI, and her ongoing relationship with Japanese architecture.Ultimately, if ‘Big in Japan’ is more comedic storytelling than standup, with a healthy dollop of love for the crowd, it still offers one of the most genial hours on offer at this year’s Fringe. If the fiery loving wrath of John Robertson’s ‘Human Hurricane’ is too much, ‘Big in Japan’ is a warm and cuddly alternative. Click Here For Review