by Tayo Olowo-okere

As an avid theatre-goer, I don’t normally go to stand-up comedy. But Simon Caine has me intrigued. A show for over-thinkers, that’s also really funny – why not?

As I arrive, Simon Caine is standing in front of the mic. He seems really friendly as he talks to a couple of audience members in the front while playing music from his phone. I  am already overthinking about where to sit. Since it’s such a small room, I realise how awkward it’s going to be with me sitting a few centimetres away with my notebook and pen jotting away. Will it throw him off? We’ll have to wait and see.

The show begins with natural conversation between himself and the audience – asking where some of us are from, and cracking small jokes at latecomers. It’s a comfortable environment and he encourages some interaction during the show.

Most comedians share jokes about their lives, but what’s different with Caine is how engaging his stories are. In just one hour, he covers awkward moments in relationships, why he doesn’t talk about politics, and still leaves time to make up new lyrics to popular songs. As expected, some of the jokes don’t land as well but it’s not at all cringeworthy. Simon Caine’s humour is very honest, down-to-earth and with a hint of self-deprecation that we all have.

The best moment is his story of how his overthinking led him to buy an £800 wedding cake. Overall, it’s an enjoyable experience that’s funny, relatable and really engaging. Over-thinkers should meet up more often.

Simon Caine: Every Room Becomes a Panic Room When You Overthink Enough runs through 30 January.

The Play’s the Thing UK is committed to covering fringe and progressive theatre in London and beyond. It is run entirely voluntarily and needs regular support to ensure its survival. For more information and to help The Play’s the Thing UK provide coverage of the theatre that needs reviews the most, visit its patreon.