Nathan Caton: Teenage Mutant Nathan Caton

• Marissa Burgess
• 17 August 2014

This article is from 2014

Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedy show exploring what it means to be a man and a role model

At the top of the show Nathan Caton chats to the crowd making amiable jokes about a few topical subjects such as Scottish independence, the Commonwealth Games and UKIP. It looks like we're in for an hour of solid and accomplished club-style stand-up. Beginning to hint at the depth of the material that is to come, Caton makes a few insightful observations about race, moving on to introduce the topic which lurks in his show-title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

He paints an evocative image of his obsessive collection of Turtles merchandise and DVDs, amusing in its childishness given that Caton is in his late twenties. Belying this confession is the meat of the show as he begins to reveal why he was feeling depressed and sitting cocooned for comfort in his room with a mug of hot chocolate in his favourite Turtles mug.

This is a heart warming tale about family, both frankly and amusingly told with Caton drawing characterful portraits of his family. There’s his formidable granny who demands that you are able to spell any cuss words that you utter in front of her; plus, there’s his loveable but loud stepfather, his strong and resourceful mother and cheeky teen brother. Through this relationship with his family, Caton explores what it means to be a man and a role model. A lovely, warm and funny show.

Pleasance Dome, 556 6550, until 24 Aug, 8pm, £8.50–£11 (£7.50–£10).