Ross Smith: Crying/Shame

• Brian Donaldson
• 20 August 2019

Matt Crockett

An emotionally stunted man with gags to die for

Ross Smith has a problem with letting it all out. Tears don't come easily to him; indeed he's unable to recall the last time he cried. Even when a core member of his family is close to death, the only dry eye in the house belongs to him. Down the other end, he has a 'shy bladder' which leads him to race for an unpopulated cubicle whenever nature calls on a night out. A row of urinals can then become the backdrop to a battle of wills that he knows he will never win.

After a debut show last year about him taking a leap into the unknown (replacing another Ross Smith on a lads' holiday abroad), he's not sure that many people are especially inclined to exit their comfort zone. Indeed, he was quite content to avoid doing the Fringe this year and stick to an easy life.

That he did return will hopefully reap some benefits down the line. Ross Smith is a terrific joke-writer and amiable company for an hour. Whether he is able to crank it up a notch, get out of his own comfort zone and reach for the next level is up for conjecture.

Just the Tonic at The Tron, until 25 Aug (not 12), 1pm, £5 in advance or donations at the venue.