Rob Auton’s Jupiter arrives with the deceptively simple premise of an estate agent selling Earth to residents from Jupiter. From there, Auton constructs a picture of everyday life and the things we overlook when they are constantly around us.
Standing alone in a suit for the entire hour, Auton initially appears almost deliberately understated. There is no elaborate set, no obvious changes in his voice to differentiate between characters, and little movement. Instead, the production relies almost entirely on his storytelling. His observations move from the mundane to the philosophical; he is building towards a more sincere appreciation of the world we inhabit.
Auton’s writing finds genuine wonder in the ordinary. The idea that we can become so accustomed to extraordinary things that they cease to amaze us gives the show an appealing warmth. His Yorkshire delivery and unhurried style also give the material a distinctive personality, resisting the usual rhythms of stand-up.
It is an endearing approach. Auton is clearly less interested in chasing a conventional laugh than in encouraging his audience to look again at the world they think they already understand. It is an unusual, thoughtful piece of comedy; even if its deliberately stripped-back approach wouldn’t please everyone, it definitely leaves anyone watching with a different perspective on the world we live in.
Rob Auton: JUPITER, 13:00 at Central at Assembly Roxy at 1 pm from August 5-30
