The description of Rob Auton says that he’s written ‘11 critically acclaimed shows on specific themes’. Sadly, his 12th, Can (An Hour-Long Story), is something of a slip-up. With several white papers stuck to the floor of his stage with motivational words like ‘change’ and ‘hope’, Auton (or Can) enters to rapturous applause. Can was once the world’s number one motivational speaker. But now he’s not. That’s pretty much it. Throughout the hour, there are mostly polite titters as Auton’s story rolls on. Unfortunately, never has an ‘hour-long story’ felt so long. 

There’s a feeling of detachment in the room, so when there is material worth exploring, the audience aren’t engaged enough to appreciate it. Some of the surreal humour isn’t odd enough for it to be funny; it just comes across as awkward and the quiet reactions confirm this. Exploring the life of a formerly successful motivational speaker is an interesting concept and, with work, this could be a good show. It’s a shame that number 12 was a big swing and a bit of a miss for Rob Auton. 

Rob Auton: Can (An Hour-Long Story), Assembly Roxy, until 24 August, 1.25pm; main picture: Matt Stronge.