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Critic rating
Amstell rides the crest of a wave
Ben East, Metro 9 Aug 2007
Simon Amstell is one of life's worriers. And his showily neurotic but deliberately dry demeanour melds neatly into the existentialist No Self, in which he discovers Buddhist theory and proposes we're all God, but all nothing too.
It's a tenuous but easy way for Amstell to riff on broken relationships, his sexuality and religion.
It doesn't stop with Buddhism but, if also quoting tracts from attachment theory sounds remarkably bookish, he's always ready to throw in cute one-liners about where he found such information - usually Wikipedia or YouTube.
Still, it's when he diverts from obvious intellect into a classic Boxing Day tsunami routine that Amstell really flies.
Nailing British reserve quite superbly, it's not the sick joke some have pronounced it (Amstell was in Asia when the wave hit): merely confirmation that Amstell has intelligently persuaded the audience to see the world his way.
Until Aug 27 (not Aug 15), Pleasance Courtyard, 10.30pm, £11 to £12.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
