2011 Edinburgh Fringe
Stuart Goldsmith review
Stuart Goldsmith has a very good offering this year in the Pleasance Attic. With a stag-do in the corner, Goldsmith takes control of what could have been a challenging audience showing excellent showmanship in an understated yet discerning way.
Goldsmith isn't a comedian who has to kick and scream to get your attention, and his relaxed persona is a refreshing change to many performers on the Fringe. In a collected manner, he communicates all of his stories calmly, yet demonstrates clear passion for what he's speaking of. Being very open about his true personality, Goldsmith is focusing on anxiety this year, and such an honest yet humorous take on his emotions gets the audience on his side very easily.
The theme of coping in a crisis is prominent, yet unlike some shows this isn't thrown in the faces of the audience like a crazed baboon. Goldsmith is able to work round the theme with smart observations, quirky stories and plenty of punchlines. It's great to see whimsical tales having clear laughing points.
Even through there is strong message behind the show, Goldsmith is able to keep in mind the goal of making people laugh at all times. And he does it well, with strong use of comedic techniques, and well thought out material involving his life and experiences.
Goldsmith is occasionally guilty of the infuriating habit of asking the audience questions for no known reason, and a couple of times strayed into over covered areas, however the overriding feeling was it was a competent, well thought out and clever comedy show.
Stuart Goldsmith: Another Lovely Crisis listing