There’s something immediately trustworthy and open about Nick Elleray. Which is refreshing in these times of duplicity and uncertainty. After checking mic levels he gives up swiftly on amplification, and he’s on our level and breezily connecting further with notes on his past life as a fellow East Sussex resident. There’s a nice take on stations as semi sentries versus impassive tempters for their areas to train passengers, and we all step neatly into Elleray’s way of viewing the world. It’s an agreeable way, uplifting, open, and surprisingly kooky.
The show takes its title from Elleray’s endeavours to be a non toxic man, framing it as practically rebellion in the current climate. He pushes against first impressions, aware that as a follically challenged middle aged white Australian certain conclusions could be jumped to regarding his outlook on life. In reality Ellery is the kind of guy you’d like to have a non alcoholic pint with. He’s non toxic in lots of ways, practically Pollyanna in his positivity and sunny outlook, conjuring quirky punchlines with a light touch and an easy audience exchange.
Broadly autobiographical, with swathes of personal philosophies, Elleray’s show is welcoming and enjoyably agreeable. He plays with language, nods to his upbringing, and to his contemporary existence with the awkwardness of living with someone again romantically after a hiatus of 28 years. His youthful middle aged perspective has you leaning in a lot, scattered with a pockets of easy laughter. Even when touching on a more sensitive topic, he lines it up in such a way as to dispel the tension briefly in the room almost immediately.
The show comes to a close with a confession of sorts, but it’s still light. At 40 minutes the length is a little light too, but to be honest a show that runs short but is still engaging is much preferred at a Fringe than one that keeps going with nothing more to say. And Nick has said his piece, leaving the room happier for knowing his kind of positivity has been in it.
Laughing Horse @ The Walrus (Hideaway), 21, 28, 29 May 2026, 9.30pm (21st) & 8.15pm, £10/8
https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/nick-elleray-toxnick-masculinity
