In the blurb for his latest show Scary Times, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd promises to cover topics including going for a walk. With his trademark blend of cultural insights and affable wit, that’s what the Glaswegian comic takes the audience on in his latest show. It’s a meandering sort of a stroll which sometimes follows some well-trodden paths, but even when the subject isn’t fresh, the material and delivery are consistently very funny.
Macarthur-Boyd effortlessly transforms the mundane into the hilarious
As he takes to the stage, Macarthur-Boyd is as unassuming and likable as always while casting his comic eye across a diverse collection of areas. There are smart quips on Topman and Rabbie Burns, anecdotes about American family members, and trips to Edinburgh Zoo. Each one pays off with great humour, even if some topics feel very familiar. Glaswegians have probably been making jokes about Edinburgh for over a thousand years, since they realized it was better. Topic-wise it’s not new, but the originality comes in the charmingly self-deprecating delivery, and belly laughs are never far away.
This is the central appeal of Scary Times. Macarthur-Boyd effortlessly transforms the mundane into the hilarious, and his reflections on everyday subjects will resonate with any audience looking for relatable comedy. There's no denying the comic’s easy charm and endearing insights as he finds unexpected angles to tease comedy out of unexpected places. This is the second year in a row that he’s turned an impression of a vehicle into a highlight of the show.
Although Scary Times doesn’t reveal any well-kept secrets or provide earth-shaking revelations, it does showcase Macarthur-Boyd’s ability to take something ordinary, add a comedic twist, and deliver it with metronomic hilarity. If you're in the mood for a largely light-hearted and ultimately very funny evening of comedy, this show may be just what you're looking for.
