3/5 stars

The debut solo stand-up show from Matthew Crosby is a somewhat lightweight affair. Barely checking in at 45 minutes long, Crosby doesn’t seem to have been aiming that high in terms of themes or subject matter.

What we get instead is a consistently funny if somewhat forgettable show about being a nerd, his changing physical appearance and Nandos. There are some decent original touches, such as the opening B feature (a filmed sketch) and the way Crosby structures the show around a PowerPoint presentation. He is quite inventive in his use of this device, successfully exploiting its potential for some good visual gags.

Crosby’s also a likable presence on stage with a very clear comic persona: he’s a nerd. This might not be the most original premise to base a show around, but it would be pointless him pretending to be anything other than that, especially after he shows us some pictures of himself as a youngster looking geekier than Bill Gates in Star Trek fancy dress.

It also allows for some fun audience interaction as he attempts to discover his fellow nerds, and tries to establish the difference between nerds and geeks. I’m surprised how natural Crosby proves to be in this role considering this is his debut, and he comes across as charming and quick-witted when bantering with the crowd.

All this made for a very entertaining performance, but there’s really not a great deal more to say about a 45 minute show with some embarrassing pictures and stories about Nandos in it. As a debut, it’s probably quite a success. In future, let’s hope Crosby spreads his wings a bit more and tries for something a bit more ambitious.

Rupert Uzzell

Matthew Crosby – Adventure Party is at the Pleasance Cellar at 4.45pm until August 29.