Review: Ian Smith – Foot Spa Half Empty

Ian Smith is a comedian famously defined by his stress. If you were to judge him by his attire – specifically the head-to-toe green outfit he donned at Monkey Barrel – you might think he was “green” in the sense of being a newcomer.

In reality, Smith is anything but a novice. A multi-award-winning performer, co-host of the Northern News podcast, and a veteran of Have I Got News For You, he is a seasoned professional. His latest show, Foot Spa Half Empty, was nominated for an Edinburgh Comedy Award, and while the Fringe run has passed, the good news is that Smith is now taking this masterclass in frustration on tour across the UK.

A New Wave of Stress

Smith is a working-class Northerner navigating the peculiar anxieties of upward mobility. As his career reaches new heights, he finds himself “becoming middle class,” flirting with luxuries like foot spas. However, those worried that success might mellow his signature edge can rest easy; Smith has found plenty of new things to worry about. The foot spa is half empty, after all.

He seems to be embracing life’s next phase, yet he remains a man perpetually wary of the world around him. Whether it is a specific frustration with the likes of Margaret or just the general friction of daily life. His stress feels genuine and relatable, grounded in the perspective of a man who is observant enough to be an empath but too tired to be a saint.

Lightning Wit and Natural Charisma

Despite the frantic energy of his anecdotes, Smith’s command of the room is subtle and incredibly effective. He has a natural charisma that bridges the gap between generations; looking around the diverse audience at Monkey Barrel, everyone from youngsters to those in their 70s was tilting their heads back in roars of laughter.

The show ran slightly over, but not because of a lack of discipline. Smith is a clever comedian who frequently dips into the audience, reacting to their energy with lightning-quick wit. He reads the room perfectly, proving he isn’t just reciting a script – he is living the moment with the crowd. He is an “everyman” who is incredibly easy to side with, even when he’s venting about grievances, gulls or Google.

Overall

Ian Smith is not even at the apex of his career yet. As he prepares to tour cities like Birmingham, Newcastle, and his hometown of Goole, there is a sense that we are watching a performer destined for much larger stages and higher ticket prices. Foot Spa Half Empty is a hilarious, high-energy hour from a comedian who has mastered the art of the relatable meltdown.