What would you do if an asteroid was hurtling towards earth, leaving you and the rest of world just an hour to live?

While Hamish Pickering’s answer of singing to his plants might not be the most obvious choice, over the course a fun-filled hour in Hello Asteroid, he’s somehow convinced me it isn’t the worst use of time.

Setting the scene for his one man show as a single room in his home, and with no one there to talk to but his plants, Hamish explores his feelings about the world’s imminent end with touching vulnerability. From looking back on past relationships to wondering what happens to what he leaves behind when he dies, Hello Asteroid steps well outside the comedy-cabaret genre familiar to many Fringe fans, providing many moments of genuine reflection.

What really makes this show so impressive though, is the original music and lyrics from our ever endearing host. Hamish’s talent for pithy writing and quick wit is evident in every song, as he effortlessly engages the audience and takes us along for a musical journey. From people walking too slowly when he has somewhere to be, to unfair and hurtful breakups, there’s no subject matter his beautiful lyricism can’t earnestly communicate to his audience.

All in all Hello Asteroid is a truly high quality show, with so much heart, honesty and humour, it’s a true gift to the audience. While Hamish goes out of his way at the beginning to point out that the show is just a “silly” take on what it might mean to have an asteroid headed straight for us, you’ll quickly find yourself totally immersed in his heartfelt approach to the subject.

While his run at this year’s Fringe may be short, keep an eye out for Hamish’s work popping up again and again, this star is firmly on the rise.