Novy’s Guide to Mysterious Mistakes
Novy, a Japanese native new to London, launches into the hustle, determined to find his way, but with zero spiritual training, he becomes a fortune teller.
Performed by Japanese clown, theatre-maker, and accidental psychic Nobuo Otsuka, Novy’s Guide is a chaotic, mischievous, and surprisingly uplifting solo show that turns culture shock into comedy.
Fresh off the plane in cosmopolitan London, Novy arrives certain he has world-class talents and that becoming the perfect English gentleman will be no problem at all. What could possibly go wrong? When language fails, accents betray, and confidence wobbles, there’s only one option left: lie for money. Spiritually, of course.
Based on Nobuo’s real (and deeply questionable) stint as a psychic medium, this absurd autobiographical adventure dives into migration, identity, and the bizarre world of spiritual capitalism—with a little help from a stuffed bear. But mishaps don’t break him—they shape him. Each blunder, misunderstanding, and misstep forges him into someone strangely brilliant, utterly lovable, and undeniably himself.
A celebration of wide-eyed naivety as a secret shield against life’s harder knocks, Novy’s Guide is performed in English, broken English, and the occasional painfully honest Japanese.
Bring tissues. And a marmalade sandwich. Just in case.
Written by Nobuo Otsuka & Eleanor Hindson
Directed by Eleanor Hindson
Performed by Nobuo Otsuka
Running time: Approx 50 minutes
Ages Guidance: Ages 12 and above
