by **** (out of 5)
What makes a comedian become a climate change activist in his mid-40s? For Stuart Goldsmith, it’s in part because he’s now a father of two, kids aged 7 and 4. But also, Goldsmith considers himself a problem solver, and a bit of a narc. The ongoing impending doom of humanity due to climate change, however, presents a problem almost too big to solve. After all, Goldsmith does brand his podcast as “The Comedian’s Comedian,” so he’s self-aware enough to know that as a comedian, his industry is propped up by the alcohol industry. Stand-ups are mere set-ups for shots. āIām a wanker telling jokes to pricks.ā
And yet, Goldsmith maintains a sense of hope and optimism. He stops a couple of times during the hour to collect eco confessions from the audience, to remind us we’re all in this together. He also offers small actions we each can take, starting with a QR code on the stage wall which provides links to helpful reading and advice.
Moreover, Goldsmith exudes confidence onstage and has such a smooth delivery, it’s easy to imagine his bits as scenes from a sitcom or movie, without him needing to engage in elaborately elastic act-outs.
There are times, too, when his jokes go inside baseball enough for any comedian to love. Who am I to question his branding? š
Stuart Goldsmith: Spoilers runs through Aug. 27 at Monkey Barrel Comedy, Monkey Barrel 1
