Rob Auton @ Assembly George Square

Rob Auton is a complex puzzle of a man. At times appearing laddish, philosophical and poetic all at once, he’s tricky to label and you get the impression that’s exactly how he likes it. Known for his abstractly themed shows (The Sleep Show, The Talk Show, The Time Show etc), The Crowd Show is no different and is loosely structured around an instructional internet article on how to give a speech. Auton confesses that public speaking is no chore to him, especially when it’s to a crowd of strangers. The challenge, instead, comes when it’s in front of family and friends.

The Crowd Show is in perpetual motion, jumping from one thing to the next with little linkage, yet Auton steers a smooth ship. Within the general framework, he moves from chant (reserved for latecomers) to song (to eager audiences spotting him in green rooms ahead of showtime) to conversation and back again. The idea that you’d be afraid to talk to a pal down the pub about being glad you were born bridges the gap between touching and funny, underlining that comedy can be so effective when tackling difficult issues head-on (here with men’s mental health). The hour also glances at class and politics in a disarming manner (“Are the people in the painting rich or poor?”, Auton overhears in an art gallery) with his delivery often hinting at layers of meaning beneath the surface.

The hour culminates in a rousing speech (as one might have predicted) which is packed with might and sentiment. It comes around quickly with little indication of the roaring crescendo it’s set to become. And although it’s a little wanting of jokes, coming across too po-faced for a comedy hour, The Talk Show ultimately leaves you moved and exhilarated.

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Rob Auton: The Crowd Show, Assembly George Square (The Blue Room), until 29 Aug, 2.50pm, £11-13.50