Stuart Goldsmith is a polished comic. Leaving little room for error his style of storytelling is slick, cleverly constructed and thoughtful. Compared to What is a show that tackles self-involvement and first-time parenting, deconstructing the concepts into comprehensible jokes that everyone can get on board with.
Successfully varies tone, momentum and pace to keep the packed out audience in the Liquid Room Annexe glued for the whole hour.
The comedian begins with material about why he is so self-involved using a tale about a train’s Silent Carriage, which seemed slightly far-fetched. However, the material most definitely picks up with some fantastic observational comedy about countryside vs city living, which included a comment on the hierarchy of rush hour commuters that was bolstered with wonderful description. Another piece that should be applauded for its sophistication and sheer hilarity is his rundown of booking an Airbnb in his next door neighbour’s house. But possibly his finest hour was the stylistic way he compares the tale of the fox, the chicken and the bag of grain to having a baby.
Stuart comes across as someone who has studied the art of comedy, using a variety of joke formations to vary the tone, style and pace. There is no question of his skill, but it does not appear to come naturally, working hard to deliver his well-constructed material and struggling only at impromptu conversations with audience members and even whispering to himself on stage, “don’t improvise”. The self-confessed “Mr Nice Guy” is, in my opinion, too safe with his material while trying to be accommodating to all. Perhaps the addition of something controversial would only enhance the sophisticated work that he produces.
Nevertheless Stuart successfully varies tone, momentum and pace to keep the packed out audience in the Liquid Room Annexe glued for the whole hour.
