He has created a style completely his own
Rob Auton’s CAN: The Story of a Man Called CAN comes from the Nunhead-based comedian, writer, and performer who has built a loyal following through shows that somehow make everyday thoughts feel profound and outside of stand-up. Auton’s profile has continued to grow through appearances in TV shows such as The Change, and Starstruck, in the film Marching Powder, and through his hugely popular podcast and bestselling books, writes Luigia Minichiello.
Known for blending spoken word with surreal observations, Auton has created a style completely his own. With CAN, though, he takes a slightly different route, presenting his first fully narrative show, a story that follows a man who was once the world’s leading motivational speaker before his life takes an unexpected turn.
What makes Auton stand out is that he never feels like he is performing “comedy” in the traditional sense. Watching him on stage feels more like listening to someone think out loud. He explains how his career started by helping people one at a time. One example involves buying kettlebells for his postman and having them delivered to help him get fit. The plan was such a success that the postman eventually entered the World’s Strongest Man competition.
Auton looks at people and the world around him through a series of relatable observations. A simple tidy-up at home turns into a full-scale deep clean because you moved the toaster – something most of us can identify with. The show remains unmistakably Auton, veering off into bizarre tangents, including a Reddit thread about a man who claims he gets a semi whenever he strokes the neighbour’s cat.
The evening ends with a round of positive affirmations that the audience heartily embraces, followed by an invitation to meet him afterwards and buy some merchandise. Judging by the queue that forms, plenty of people are happy to take him up on the offer.
CAN is not comedy as most people know it. There are no huge laugh-out-loud moments and only occasional giggles, yet the audience clearly laps it up. Given the sold-out status of the show, it is obvious that Auton has found an audience that appreciates exactly what he does. CAN became one of the best-reviewed shows at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, and the tour has already sold out dates across the country.
The question is whether this is one of those comedians that comedy fans “get”. You really need to tune into the clever wit hidden within this meandering hour-long monologue, but the message throughout is overwhelmingly positive, and there is plenty to admire.
If you enjoy playful word associations and quietly observed reflections on everyday life, then this is the show for you. If you are looking for belly laughs and a traditional stand-up set, it probably isn’t.
Check tour dates here: https://www.robauton.co.uk/past-productions
