Lots of people have asked the question why comics do what they do, given that so many are so socially awkward and shy.

 

You won’t find a better explanation than the one in Rob Auton’s show, which centres on the dynamic between the performer and the audience.

 

Auton, who may be the shyest of them all, has previously created shows around a single word, with poetic, philosophical and philological explorations of Yellow, Sky, Sleep and Hair.

 

The Crowd Show is different, in that it takes a more dynamic approach, with Auton playing games and tricks, to show the relationship between the comic and the crowd.

 

Auton is emotional to be among people again, talking to a group of strangers in a room.  Like a lot of comics it is the place he feels happiest. And although it is mostly left unsaid, it makes you remember how live comedy went away and then came back again and how tough this must have been.

 

But it appears Auton had a good lockdown.

 

Whereas pre pandemic Auton was indivisible from a mud green parka and peered out from behind enigmatic curtains of hair, he has re-emerged looking a bit like a seventies rock god.   This lovely sweet shy man has found a wife and you can see the difference it has made to his molecules.

 

He is less dependent on his little pile of notes than before and takes more risks - singing, using stage effects and encouraging the audience to become his echo.

 

But he still uses his trademark dry delivery to great effect - turning up the laughter with a meaningful look or loaded turn of phrase.

 

At the heart of all this is a beautiful story about his wedding and about the way his family took part and joined in.

 

Auton takes his cues from a list of tips for public speaking. But he has created a deep and lovely show about love and connection.

 

He has tears in his eyes as he pulls all the threads together and finally tells us, his audience, how much we really mean to him.