one4review | On 03, Aug 2024

This is an entrancing mesmeric show combining stand-up with ‘spoken
word’, about what we do see and what we mostly miss.  It is very
entertaining, provoking laughter from absurdity and sudden awareness of
so much we casually fail to notice.

Billowing smoke and candles set the mood when you settle in, and soon we
are into a relaxing visualisation scenario.  Some shows can send you to
sleep from boredom, but very few comedy shows can simultaneously elicit
laughs while calmly drawing the audience into the performers world so
that they are briefly almost soporific.  That is quite some some skill.
No wonder this show has been picking up many plaudits. Therefore it is a
shame about the poster design; on no account let that deter you.

Rob Auton says he likes words, which is an understatement because he is
an exemplary wordsmith who is endearing and a little cheeky.  His
downbeat unique comedy style of whimsically weaving philosophical ‘what
ifs’ with his unusual perceptions and perspectives, provokes extremely
amusing insights and mirth.

This gentle show will not make it to Live At The Apollo because it is
not ‘in yer face’ mainstream gag comedy, but instead by contrast is a
real fringegoers treat to be savoured. His skilful delivery, while
focusing on what he notices and his observations around that, entrances
his audience.  No one leaves early, in fact we all dawdle at the end
relishing after thoughts, including that Rob could be a hugely in demand
therapist.

In summary this delightful hour of spoken word performance with oodles
of humour and good vibes is a wonderful contrast to the general bluster
and bravura of Fringe comedy shows.  So if whimsy and wordplay please
you, Rob Auton: The Eyes Open And Shut Show is a must see.

****1/2

Reviewed by HJ

Assembly Roxy – Upstairs

Until 25th Aug

14.15 (1hr)