★★★★
Asexuality isn’t a subject that is covered much, if at all. In our ever increasing queer alphabet, ‘A’ doesn’t even stand for a group of over 7 million people worldwide. Erasure such as this is nothing new, even from within our community. Eliott Simpson has taken it upon themselves to educate an unknowing public about their sexuality.
Simpson’s show is silly and very, very funny. They pack the hour with so many gags and one-liners, they are unrelenting. Coupled with an unhinged delivery that is hypnotically unsettling, they have the audience in the palm of their hand. It’s great to see an out and proud autistic comedian, pepper their routine with references to their autism, without having to explain it, it’s representation like this autistic audiences crave, the knowledge that we are visible.
Eliott’s persona can be overwhelming at times, perhaps not for an Edinburgh Fringe audience, who, bombarded with so many comics, need something bold and brash to stand out and keep their attention. I wished I’d brought my noise-cancelling headphones as the audiences raucous laughter in such a crowded room can be a sensory nightmare.
Eliott is a fully-formed stand-up. Usually you see acts on the fringe that are, to put it kindly, rough around the edges. Eliott is ready to go onto a much wider audience. I would be surprised if they don’t get snapped up by one of the big comedy promoters sooner or later. I am sure these early audiences know this too, from the huge enthusiasm and thunderous applause, they know they’ve witnessed something and someone very special.
Eliott Simpson: (A)Sexy and I Know It, Laughing Horse @ City Cafe 17:50 (1hr) Aug 5-28 (free non ticketed)
