“eccentric observation and wonderment… the show reeled me in… a hymn to the preciousness of life” ★★★★
Brian Logan, The Guardian
“makes beautifully funny theatrical shows which are a genuine delight… You will walk out feeling transformed. And fully alive.” ★★★★
Claire Smith, The Scotsman
“You’ll laugh a lot, you’ll smile a lot and, mark my words, you’ll want to see him again” ★★★★★
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke
Thursday 29th May – Multi-award-winning comedian, writer, podcaster, and actor Rob Auton (The Change, Marching Powder, Starstruck) returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with CAN: The Story of a Man Called CAN — his first-ever fictional show, centred on a man who was once the world’s leading motivational speaker… until something changed.
Following his biggest tour to date with The Eyes Open and Shut Show, Rob performs his new hour at Assembly Roxy, Upstairs, from 30th July – 24th August at 1.25pm. Tickets are on sale now at robauton.co.uk.
Dubbed “the Fringe’s comedian laureate” by the British Comedy Guide, Rob has earned a cult following with his acclaimed comedy, theatre, and spoken word shows exploring specific themes — from time and yellow to hair and even himself — which he has toured nationally and internationally, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival multiple times.
A two-time British Podcast Awards Gold winner, Rob is the creator of The Rob Auton Daily Podcast, which has over 500 episodes and 2 million downloads. Praised by The Observer’s Miranda Sawyer for “making you see the world differently,” the podcast features Rob’s uniquely humorous reflections on the everyday, blending spoken word with evocative music.
On screen, in the past year alone, Rob has starred opposite Danny Dyer in Marching Powder, appeared in Channel 4’s hit comedy The Change, and released his debut stand-up special The Time Show with PLOSIVE and Turtle Canyon Comedy. He also featured in the latest series of Starstruck (BBC), adding to credits including Miracle Workers (TBS), The End of the F**ing World (Netflix/Channel 4), The Russell Howard Hour (Sky), Cold Feet (ITV), and Random Acts (Channel 4). His appearance on Stand-Up Central With Rob Delaney (Comedy Central) went viral, amassing over 21 million views.
Rob recently partnered with JF Abraham of acclaimed conceptual pop group Public Service Broadcasting to debut their collaborative project, Words With Music, to a packed tent of thousands at last summer’s End of the Road Festival. Following its success, the duo will return to perform again this year.
Rob’s latest book, I Strongly Believe in Incredible Things, was published by HarperCollins’ Mudlark. He has also released three earlier books with Burning Eye and a spoken word album on Scroobius Pip’s Speech Development Records.
What the press said about Rob:
“Like a sunbeam from heaven in human form, Auton is a constant delight.” ★★★★
Mark Wareham, The Mail on Sunday
“beautifully crafted; just like Auton’s comedy… his act is well honed, and his ease is infectious… Watching, you’d struggle not be swept up in the charm of it all” ★★★★
Isobel Lewis, The Independent
“you’ll leave with lots of thoughts and lots of laughs prompted by his words.” ★★★★
Dave Esson, Daily Express
“heartfelt but packs some very big laughs… This is a finely crafted show, with great callbacks, and his last routine – delivered with passion – acts as a reminder that we all here for the human experience.” ★★★★
Veronica Lee, The Arts Desk
“bridges the gap between touching and funny… packed with might and sentiment… ultimately leaves you moved and exhilarated” ★★★★
Polly Glynn, The Skinny
“very funny… he truly exploits the breadth of canvas a Fringe show offers, playfully examining his musings from all angles, hitting a punchline whenever the whimsy approaches being too self-parodic… Make time for it” ★★★★
Jay Richardson, Fest
“effortlessly funny” ★★★★
Rachel Cronin, The List
“We are glued to his every word, making for an electric atmosphere where the laughs come thick and fast.” ★★★★
Calum Baxter, Edinburgh Festivals Magazine ★★★★
“magic… an hour that opens your eyes in more ways than one and leaves positivity in the chests of all, with possibilities twinkling like the stars behind the daylight outside.” ★★★★
Victoria Nangle, Entertainment Now
EDINBURGH FRINGE LISTINGS INFORMATION
Rob Auton – CAN: The Story of a Man called CAN
Venue: Assembly Roxy, Upstairs
Date & Time: 30th July – 24th August at 1.25pm
Duration: 60 min
Web: www.robauton.co.uk
robauton.co.uk | Twitter @RobertAuton | Instagram @robauton | Facebook Rob Auton | TikTok @robauton
For more information, images, press tickets, or if you have interview requests, please contact: Perrine Davari at PDavari@avalonuk.com / 020 7598 8000
