Rob Auton @ Assembly Roxy

Rob Auton's latest Fringe hour Jupiter is an awe-inspiring sensation

Review by Cameron Wright | 13 Aug 2026
  • Rob Auton

For several years, Rob Auton had shows with distinct framing: The Yellow Show, The Hair Show, The Time Show. Each focused on its titular theme, but ultimately these were always shows about the beauty and wonder of life. Last year, we had Auton’s first narrative show, Can, which wove optimism around the story of a motivational speaker. Jupiter is somewhere between these two types. Loosely the story of an estate agent on planet Jupiter, the show is ultimately the writer's most forward declaration that life here on earth is a miracle.

It doesn't take long for the audience to understand that this framing is wonderfully flimsy, as the comic prods holes in the narrative and essentially shames the characters for being nothing more than plot points. Their shifting accents, pointed questions and occasional desire for ‘traditional jokes’ are wonderfully shoehorned in, decorating what is otherwise a love letter to existence.

Despite being one of the more obvious examples of Auton’s marvellous vision, Jupiter is also one of his wittiest. Puns fall effortlessly in line next to grandiose laments about themes like breathing or turtles. Hope cosies up alongside whimsy in arguably the comedian's most outwardly daft hour yet. When Jupiter concludes, there is a stunned silence. With his hand grasped around the paintbrush, Auton takes the world we all know and within an hour, with simple, delicate brushstrokes, creates an incredibly achievable fantasy. We could all see the world the way Rob Auton sees it, and maybe we all should. 

Falling somewhere between poetry and comedy, Jupiter is a sensation. Here we see authentic stand-up challenging an entire audience to open their eyes, feel and rejoice. Breathing, laughing and experiencing this show in a room full of people is an awe-inspiring gift. We are incredibly lucky to have a Rob Auton in our world.


Rob Auton: Jupiter, Assembly Roxy (Central), until 30 Aug, 1pm, £18-19.50