Seaton Smith @ Pleasance Courtyard
Seaton Smith deserves a much bigger audience for Trauma Bonding, an old school show that's still wonderfully progressive
It must be any comic’s worst nightmare to walk out onto stage and be greeted by a three strong crowd – four, if you count the latecomer. Smith balks, but only momentarily, before launching into a revised routine that spans politics, race, abusive relationships, drug habits, martial arts and motorcycles. This is Smith’s story, and he’s telling it, whether you’re there or not.
You really ought to be, though. There’s no overriding arc or subliminal messaging, no grand finale or self-pitying tales of overcoming insurmountable obstacles. Trauma Bonding is simply a show by a very funny man, recounting various circumstances he has found himself in (some exceptional, some not), with a hilarity that is reminiscent of late-90s or early-noughties stand-up.
Fear not; Smith pulls no punches, but he never punches down. They’re flung casually at society at large, but not in the overwrought, meme-mined way that has been safety tested. The punchlines to Smith’s take on old topics often come from left of field, and while there are plenty of gasps brought on by the occasionally contentious set-up, every gag (some cheeky, some offensive) lands. This show isn’t for the faint-hearted. There’s slurs a-plenty, and a few wince-inducing moments, but to clarify – this is never aimed at anyone undeserving or unsuspecting.
There is, of course, mention of the trauma which gives the show its title. This isn’t to implore the audience to give a sad nod of acknowledgement and a $100 tip (although, that part is encouraged), but rather an invitation for us to accept with the same glee the absurd responses Smith has to each obstacle his life has handed him. It’s good old observational comedy, and Smith is excellent at it.
The one thing a show like this is missing is the opportunity for crowd work. Even with an audience this small, it’s apparent that Smith’s heckler-handling skills would be exceptional. Hopefully, by the end of his Fringe run, he’ll have been able to stretch those legs; and if not, well, he promised a round of shots at his next gig if the crowd remained small, so it’s well worth taking a chance.
Seaton Smith: Trauma Bonding, Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Three), until 24 Aug, 8.30pm, £11-13