Stuart Goldsmith

Stuart Goldsmith: Another Lovely Crisis

I’ve previously accused Stuart Goldsmith of bossy over-confidence, but over this hour he is nothing but a charming, nice and funny guy chronicling his ongoing battle with his Woody Allen-esque neuroses about pretty much everything the world throws at him. Goldsmith initially shows how he can be decisive in a crisis by describing how, dressed as a copper for a bit-part in a sitcom, he came across a real life street 'character' with a can of cider in each paw and a flick knife in his pocket, and defused the situation by reacting quickly.

Yet when it comes to dealing with the everyday decisions in life – even something as apparently straightforward as choosing a camping mallet – that's when he panics. Anyone who ever been stressed – which is everyone – will identify with this, but the show is particularly pertinent to anyone who's ever suffered panic attacks or catastrophised (psycho-speak for thinking the worst). And take it from me it's cathartic to laugh about it.

Part of Goldsmith's charm is that he's endearingly self-deprecating. He notes that in most situations he likes to get involved but is 'more confident than useful’. It's a considered hour's material in which Goldsmith successfully stands on the outside looking in at himself, pokes fun at his fretting and also wonders what his beloved young godson is likely to pick up from him.

read more of this review …

Older Comments