Christopher MacArthur-Boyd @ Gilded Balloon

Christopher MacArthur-Boyd’s debut delivers on the promise he's built on the local scene

Review by Yasmin Hackett | 22 Aug 2018

This Fringe has often felt like a year for comedy shows that are geared toward a greater meaning. It has been the result both of a need to stand out and of an increasing pressure on comedians to discuss weightier subjects, and such material deservedly has its place in comedy. Instead, though, Christopher MacArthur-Boyd tiptoes around themes such as masculinity and mental health, but never makes them the focus of the show. The result for MacArthur-Boyd is that Home Sweet Home feels like a series of 10s, and this may be a reflection of it being his debut hour – but it’s a format that, on the whole, works a treat.

He moves deftly between jokes about love, regrettable tattoos, and coming to terms with the racism and idiosyncrasies of the older generation. Added to his repertoire of comedic ability is his talent for audience interaction; though it isn’t quite conversational, as there is always a point to these interactions in the grander scheme, he puts everyone at ease and willing to contribute. It makes for a consistently funny show, a debut hour that seems endlessly enjoyable.


Christopher Macarthur-Boyd: Home Sweet Home, Gilded Balloon, Teviot Row House (Turret), until 26 Aug, 10.15pm, £6-10

Scroll on to read more of The Skinny's 2018 Edinburgh Fringe comedy reviews; click here for a round-up of all the best reviews from this year's comedy and theatre programmes