At Late N Live

Edinburgh 2008

More Stuart Goldsmith videos

A former street entertainer, who took part in ITV1's Show Me The Funny talent show in 2011

Stuart Goldsmith: Another Lovely Crisis
Live Review

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.

Goldsmith, currently appearing on ITV’s Show Me The Funny, is disarmingly honest here, noting that he's better at dealing with a crisis when he's got an audience to show off to. Then, of course, are the gags, which comed frequently and consistently.

His timing and intonation are well-honed, and seemingly effortless, but what's truly lovely is his turn of phrase, he describes his rather safe choice of shoes as being the type favoured by 'boys that don't like puddles' and when organising an impromptu rave at a five-year-old's birthday party he plays them the kind of hardcore electronica that sounds like 'a wolf kicking a keyboard up an escalator.'

The only wasp in the orangeade is that one gag about scaring fellow passengers on a plane is very much like one of Arthur Smith's, but we'll let that one go as elsewhere he barely puts a sensibly shod foot wrong.

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Its hard to imagine a more out of date review. Three and a half years on, and Stuart is simply brilliant with anecdotes galore displaying a wonderfully inventive, playful and deeply individual look at sex, sexuality , relationships , and the posher end of the canine world. In addition, his street performing skills give him a persona that it warm, engaging and entirely suited to his material. Undoubtedly one of my faves.

Paul Sinha, February 2009

Did not disappoint - funny and charming, he made me belly laugh, and that takes some doing.

Sharon, December 2007

The guy puts the whole audience at ease. The second he walks on you think OK, this is gonna be good. Love the sci-fi material

shelly, August 2007

This boy literally oozes brilliance. When he's not charming the crowd with his rapier-like wit, he's whipping up a storm with some highly original show-stopping routines. Can't wait to see him again. Definitely the best comic I've seen this year,

J. Barnett, June 2006

We booked Stuart to compere our comedy night this year and he did an amazing job. He is funny, intelligent and very likeable. He will be invited back without doubt.

Tim Johnson, May 2006

Clever stuff

RB, May 2006

Funny, producing wry smiles rather than belly laughs, but smart

Hannah, May 2006

Perfectly pitched performance at the Hackney final. Sign language stuff was storming!

EW, February 2006

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