REVIEW: Simon Amstell: Spirit Hole, The Redgrave Theatre – ‘He makes you feel better about everything’

Simon Amstell has called this tour Spirit Hole. Only right at the end of his set do we actually hear him say the phrase, in a specifically physiological context, but he makes reference throughout to his journey from shame, fear of ageing and depression to a present day acceptance of himself.

So to him ‘spirit hole’ clearly has a number of meanings, all of which make us love him even more than we did at the start.

He begins by explaining that he and his boyfriend have been discussing the prospect of having a baby (“A baby? I’ve only ever lived in flats, I haven’t even had stairs”). The realisation that he can no longer pretend he isn’t an adult causes him to reflect on how he got to this stage in his life, and the pain he has gone through to get here.

Simon Amstell – photo: Harry Carr

He is engagingly self-deprecating as he talks about his repressed childhood, his desperate need for attention and his over-developed ego. He openly craves approval, and his envy of the success of others comes in the form of self-flagellation (“Why didn’t I write Hamilton?”). And his heartbreakingly sad story about trying to pick up a barman in New York is beautifully delivered.

Whatever he claims about his failings and his weakness, he does it with a masterful control of timing and of the audience.  Lots of comedians work this seam, of course, but Amstell really does make you want to make sure he’s ok.

Even when he’s telling us about his foursome in a Berlin sex club, describing behaviour that – distractingly for him – causes one couple in the audience to have some form of marital meltdown, he talks so openly that for a moment you feel you’d like to go with him next time. The post-club debrief would be epic.

Simon Amstell, Spirit Hole – image: courtesy of Mick Perrin Worldwide

Amstell talks of the healing properties of illegal substances, and the shamanic benefits of a spiritual retreat he attended, where he explored his spirit hole to ecstatic effect. He throws in some observations about toxic masculinity and marketing along the way, but other than that he doesn’t discuss the world outside at all.

It could be described as navel-gazingly solipsistic, but, when it’s done in Amstell’s smart and engaging way, it actually seems like philosophy and metaphysics.

He is supported by Leo Reich, whose opening set is a perfect match for an audience who have come to see Amstell. Reich discusses queerness, being 21 during the pandemic, and the loneliness of the dating scene, with flashes of the political comedian I hope he becomes.

Amstell radiates acceptance and happiness now – which everyone in the room tonight really hopes will last. See him if you can, he makes you feel better about everything.

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For all upcoming news, tour shows and events featuring Simon Amstell, visit www.simonamstell.com.

Main photo: Harry Carr

Read more: Simon Amstell on his journey into the Spirit Hole

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