Unfiltered confession is often part of the stand-up comedy job description, but nobody takes it as far as Simon Amstell. In his latest show I Love It Here the former Never Mind The Buzzcocks host reveals his favourite sexual positions, his hallucinogenic drug of choice and how he adores his bigger bum: "I used to just have legs and a hole". Welcome to Simon's world.
His hugely enjoyable monologue is an account of a recent sojourn in LA. It's a tale bulging with deftly-crafted lines and shameless name-dropping. Having been loaned a Gucci suit he attends an awards bash for Baz Luhrmann hosted by Leonardo DiCaprio where he meets Laura Dern, Ricky Martin and Charli xcx. Luhrmann, amusingly, can't seem to get over the fact that Amstell is gay.
It's not exactly relatable material, but when it is done this well who cares? Amstell has always been a stylishly waspish raconteur and is on top form here. He has a way of making a fine-tuned story sound like an off-the-cuff dinner party anecdote, complete with pithy asides about religion, self-help books and the efficacy of magic mushrooms.
Despite being in a long-term relationship – cemented by a recent civil partnership ceremony, which he describes onstage with great affection – he is smitten by a fellow party guest and an on-off flirtation ensues. Will it come to anything? Amstell keeps everyone on tenterhooks, preferring to digress. Nothing is off-limits, particularly if it raises a laugh.
Throughout there is a subtext about him looking for healing. While he seems happier than ever angst is never far from the surface. There is always an undercurrent that something is missing. Does this neediness hark back to his father? In a throwaway remark that is surely anything but throwaway, he describes dad as "uninterested" during his childhood.
While he jokes that maybe there aren't enough gags to call this a comedy set, Amstell finds plenty of humour in mocking himself. He is painfully aware of his own absurdity, quipping about being "crushed by the prison of charisma." A veneer of superiority is constantly undercut by self-deprecation, with running gags about not getting much TV work and missing out on a BAFTA Award.
If there is a niggle it's that I Love It Here is Amstell treading familiar emotional terrain. But he treads that terrain brilliantly, with a musical twist at the end. To add too much would spoil the finale, but needless to say the piano onstage is more than mere set-dressing. This is a show about searching for validation and love that hits all the right notes.
Also 11th – 14th, 18th – 21st and 25th – 28th February, 2026. Tickets and information here: iloveithereshow.com
