Nick Robertson has seemingly constructed a show especially for my sentimental, nostalgic, nervous little self. Leave To Enter ticks all the right niche comedy boxes and hits all the right emotional notes, which feels like a rare mix. It is an adept blend of stand-up comedy and storytelling with elements of spoken word performance scattered about, and it works. The fifty-minute show was tight yet relaxed, relatable yet absolutely original, and silly yet tender.

Experiencing Leave To Enter felt like being in the lounge room of a party to which someone has brought their worldly Melbourne friend, and they’ve captivated you immediately with tales of their family, their movie picks (Scooby-Doo (2002) is in fact a perfect film and more people should say it), and also getting deported from Scotland. Nestled upstairs inside Fremantle Comedy Factory’s deliciously air-conditioned space, I felt like I had just made a new friend. Actually, I’m going to follow Nick on Instagram right now.

Robertson mused that reviewers seem to habitually label his act as “sweet and endearing”, and he can count me here as one of them because it is true. They weave together heartbreakingly funny pieces of self-reflection with sharp observations about everyday life. Anybody who can stand in front of a room full of strangers and willingly read aloud entries from their early-twenties journal deserves every accolade available and possibly a medal of bravery.

There were moments that popped up during this gig that may have thrown off a less experienced comedian, but he was generally able to keep the train on its tracks. This show has been crafted meticulously and with great attention to detail: the timing is flawless, the accompanying graphics are polished, and the structure of the show is satisfying and crisp. It is clear that Robertson cares deeply about the art of telling stories and the innovative possibilities of the comedy form.

Nick Robertson is a talented storyteller and I’m excited to see what they do next. Leave To Enter was the perfect way to start my 2024 Fringe Festival journey: laughing, cosy, and inspired.