Will Owen claims that he wanted only two things as a child: to not be gay and to win The X Factor. Now in his mid-twenties, he is gay and is yet to win The X Factor.  Performing a debut show about your childhood is a well-trodden path, which Owen acknowledges and subverts to a certain extent. The set is centred around him ‘mentoring’ an eight-year-old boy that he babysits, and who he sees a lot of his younger self in. Together, they choreograph dance routines to the Pussycat Dolls, and Owen teaches his young mentee how to experience feelings of shame. Excelling in earning the audience’s sympathy, Owen quickly releases the tension with a cutting jibe. 

Like, Nobody’s Watching is littered with pop-culture references that particularly appeal to people who still watch ‘X Factor Top 5 WORST Auditions EVER’ videos on a monthly basis. However, it’s also bolstered by some solid set pieces: a rapidly choreographed Strictly-esque dance routine based on an audience member’s profession showcases Owen’s impressive improvisational and crowd work abilities. There’s some slightly more complacent material about being directionless in your twenties, but Owen’s joke-writing skills paper over any cracks. This is an unquestionably strong debut, and Owen will no doubt make it to at least Judges’ Houses this Fringe. 

Will Owen: Like, Nobody’s Watching, Assembly George Square, until 25 August, 10.20pm; main picture: Rebecca Need-Menear.