Scout Boxall @ Assembly George Square
God's Favourite is a slick, accomplished show from Fringe first-timer Scout Boxall
In a way, God’s Favourite is quite a traditional Fringe debut. It’s a ‘who I am’ show turned up to 11, perfected without ever feeling too rigid or scripted.
The central storyline of missing medication in the middle of rural Australia whilst attending a LARP (live action roleplay) wedding certainly sounds like a Fringe show, but Boxall’s skill lies in the details. The slow dressing like a nun (a distinct story chapter per item of attire), the asides about their beloved Aussie rules football team, and the ominous lump they find on their neck all flesh out their journey and keep you gripped.
God's Favourite is both a tender and pretty visceral account of Boxall’s bipolar. Phone calls from Mum keep the comic balanced whilst adverts for Boxall’s meds begin to distort and the walls of the venue feel like they’re closing in. The image of them in full wimple, with red lights licking their torso, recalls an earlier manic episode and leaves a lasting impression. Although it can feel pretty intense in the room, Boxall isn’t mining their life for trauma. It's raw without being exploitative.
There’s something of Sarah Kendall’s style to Boxall – the vibrancy of the storytelling, the contained snapshots of their tale, the absolute killer gags, and the tension the artist creates – but with more energy. Teamed with their love of internet culture, there’s also a sense of author Patricia Lockwood to it all too.
God’s Favourite is an accomplished, polished hour from a comic with a bright future ahead. If this is Scout Boxall only just getting started, there’s a hell of a lot to look forward to.
Scout Boxall: God's Favourite, Assembly George Square (The Box), until 30 Aug (not 17, 24), 4.20pm, £12.50-£15.50