Words: Caitlin Todd
4 stars
Chris Macarthur-Boyd returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with Howling at the Moon, following his acclaimed 2024 debut special Oh No! at Monkey Barrel Comedy. Within minutes of stepping on stage, Macarthur-Boyd has the audience in stitches.
Whether it’s comparing the roughness of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Australian women finding Macarthur-Boyd exotic or the obsession with cleaning the dishes when stoned, his punch lines land. The set draws on his experiences growing up in Glasgow, past relationships, and his nostalgic love for the arcade game Crazy Taxi. He weaves personal anecdotes into expertly built-up stories. He is a natural storytelling who can set the scene for the crowd. Awkward solo dining, who can comfortably sit on a stool, and why 2010 was the worst year for dance music are other topics that are mined thoroughly for laughs.
While there’s minimal audience interaction, the connection he forges with the crowd is unmistakable. From bonding over Pokémon games to hilariously explaining the true meaning of a “pie watcher,” he creates a shared experience in the intimate venue.
Chris Macarthur-Boyd proves once again that he’s a natural storyteller and a standout talent at this year’s festival.
Chris Macarthur-Boyd: Howling At The Moon
Monkey Barrel 1 at Monkey Barrel Comedy
21:00
28th July – 24th August