Adam Bromley comes with pedigree. An award-winning comedy producer with years in radio, he knows his way around structure and timing. With Irrational Optimist he turns that craft on himself, delivering a surprisingly comforting wander through existential dread — all with the air of a man who’s shrugged, sighed, and decided to grin at the apocalypse.

Bromley knows the end of the world is coming. He’s rehearsed it, catalogued it, made lists. What follows is less sermon, more survival guide from someone whose brain doesn’t just overthink — it spills out every worst-case scenario and then laughs at itself. Catastrophism wrapped in cautious cheer; Armageddon with a wink.

His crowd work is smart — curious rather than showy — which lets the room lean into the slightly skewed tone. Audience fears get folded into the mix: craft beer, dodgy ancestry, AI-generated nightmares, even a collective stab at surviving the collapse. The flag routine, where the crowd literally signals their responses, is clever, low-tech, and lands well. And the dragon-slaying bit? It’s daft, theatrical, and a highlight.

It’s a fun, early-afternoon show that doesn’t demand too much but delivers plenty back. Bromley weaves nervous energy into something both funny and oddly reassuring — not life-changing, but solid, like a decent record spun at the right speed.

All told, Irrational Optimist is thoughtful, well-structured, and likeable. Bromley might not save the world, but for an hour he makes the end of it seem strangely manageable. Just get there early — the seats fill up faster than you think.

***

Reviewed by Steve H

Venue : Laughing Horse @ Bar 50

Time 12.15

Until date 24th Aug