one4review | On 10, Aug 2025

It’s going to be Paul Williams’s year, at least according to the opening musical number of Don’t Look at Me. In fact, it has to be his year and the audience have to enjoy the show – lest they want Paul to follow through with the threat proposed in this introductory song (which I’ll refrain from spoiling here).

Luckily, the audience of the Assembly Roxy do genuinely enjoy it and it’s easy to understand why. While Paul’s past shows have centred around a particular story, this year he doesn’t have one. Instead Williams dedicates his comedy hour to telling us all about himself – the topic he’s an expert on. Songs and stories share details of his life, such as his hometown of Nelson and his relationship with his family (worth noting: both his siblings are stand-up comedians as well). There’s no set chronology to the show and there are many digressions which bring a certain element of chaos, though it largely works well – especially as it becomes clear there is a payoff and that Williams does offer a sort of narrative arc after all. His songs have clever and dry lyrics and are very well-crafted, demonstrating Paul as a natural performer and showing off his genuine musical talent and beautiful voice. While his stand-up delivery is somewhat deadpan, there is a warmth and likeability to Paul – an effortless charm which engages the audience. His comedy is well-written, with this show actually featuring some of my favourite jokes I’ve heard so far this Fringe (one of which was simply a throwaway line at the end about his show recommendations for this year).

In this hour, he discusses nearly quitting stand-up for good after a series of knock-backs. As such, it’s a relief that he came back and wrote this show. Williams is an exciting comic to watch and is clearly finding his stride.

****

Reviewed by Niamh O’Hara

Assembly Roxy – Upstairs

16.45 (1hr)

Until 24 Aug (not 12 or 19)