Christopher Macarthur-Boyd's comedy set at the Fringe is razor-sharp
'Stand-up's definitely a night-time thing.' It's a bold opening statement from Christopher Macarthur-Boyd. Especially when you consider that he's saying it to a matinee crowd. Extra shows have had to be shoe-horned in. Christopher's offering this year, Howling at the Moon, has been attracting audiences in much the same way he himself attracts Australian women. He reckons it's because they find his particular genre - small specky guy - incredibly rare and rather exotic. I'm convinced his superb Steve Irwin impersonation is doing some of the heavy lifting.
It's a razor-sharp set from one of Scotland's top comedians. He's so supremely comfortable onstage. Except for the part where he's railing against modern restaurant seating. The words cool and stool may rhyme but they definitely don't belong together for the vertically-challenged. And if you think that physical comedy was good, just wait until you see his Komodo dragon. It's fire.
Read more
But it's Christopher's personal stories that stay with you. There're plenty of them. He and his butterfly brain flit from one to the other. A quick flick of his asymmetric fringe used as punctuation. Many of the tales are food-related. Vignettes from his childhood and adolescence. Musings on the minutiae of life. Chocolate cups, cuddles and Come Dine With Me, a straw in my Irn Bru, pants in my coffee. These could all be the titles of Alan Bennett's much-loved Talking Heads monologues. They are heart-achingly beautifully and belly-achingly funny.
It's a confident but never cocky performance. Big subjects like sexuality and neurodiversity are tackled with trade-mark self-deprecation and honesty. His analogy of Haymarket and Waverley stations in a routine about gender fluidity was an absolute highlight for me. This set is so emotionally-intelligent it should have its own podcast. CMB should add it to his portfolio.
It's educational hour. I learnt a new expression – pie-watching. For us Dundonians, that involves staring in the window of a bakery. Apparently for Glasgow school-kids in the '90's it meant something entirely different. I also learnt a new equality-based pejorative gesture that's going to be fun to use this Fringe. An absolute belter of a show.
Other shows I recommend this week…
Miriam Margolyes: Margoyles and Dickens: More Best Bits, EICC, five stars.
Ian Smith: Foot Spa Half Empty, Monkey Barrel 1, four stars.
Tiff Stevenson: Post-Coital, Hive 1, four stars.
Jay Lafferty: Ooft! Stand 1, four stars.
For tickets for Edinburgh Festival shows, click here
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Pop duo cancel shows after scary moment sees member collapse on stage
Australian pop duo Royel Otis have been forced to take action after one member collapsed mid-performance this week. Comprising Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, the indie musicians from Sydney were playing at the MS Dockville festival in Hamburg, Germany, when things took a worrying turn. Footage captured by fans and shared on TikTok showed Royel playing his guitar before falling to the ground with a thud. Other members of the live band rushed over to help as concerned gasps could be heard among the crowd. It was initially unknown what caused Royel to collapse, but reports claimed it happened just 15 minutes into the set. Now, issuing an update to their thousands of followers, the duo have confirmed they need to axe their next performance while he recovers from an illness. A statement shared on Instagram read: 'We are really sorry to say that we need to cancel our set at Lowlands + Pukkelpop festival as Roy has been unwell with a virus since last night's show in Hamburg.' The stars added: 'We were really looking forward to playing for you and hope we can see you at one of our other shows soon. 'Thank you for all your support always [pink heart emoji] Roy + Otis'. As news of the gig's cancellation spread, fans expressed their sadness on social media but wished the performer well. Guitar-pop duo Royel Otis have been making music together since 2019, releasing their debut EP, Campus, in 2021. Their commercial breakthrough, however, came last January, when the Grammys named Royel Otis as one of '25 Artists to Watch' that year, leading to the release of their first album, Pratts & Pain, the following month. It debuted at number one on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart. Royel Otis proceeded to gain a huge online following thanks to their viral covers, the first being of Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Murder on the Dancefloor, which also charted Down Under. Then, last April, the pair covered Linger by The Cranberries, which also became a global hit thanks to social media, even reaching the Billboard Hot 100 in August. Since then, their career has only continued to thrive, as they made their US TV debut performing their tune Sofa King on Jimmy Kimmel Live last October, going on to sell over 100,000 tickets across Australia, Europe, and the US. Their success has not been without a smidge of controversy, though. In May this year, they had to issue an apology after being slammed by listeners for 'misogynistic' lyrics. Moody, released earlier that month, sparked backlash for its use of the word 'b***h'. Co-written by award-winning Amy Allen, one line reads: 'She's always givin' it to me. Late nights, she always accusin'. Last time, she said she would kill me. My girl's a b***h when she's moody'. After being blasted by their supporters for the 'cheap' dig, entertainment lawyers on behalf of Royel Otis said they were sorry for any upset caused. 'Moody has been Royel Otis' highest-performing release in the first two weeks globally, both digitally and on radio,' they said. 'This song is written from a specific perspective; it is not intended to convey a broader view or standpoint about women in general. 'We apologise if anyone understood those lyrics otherwise.' Despite the criticism, Moody became Royel Otis's first Billboard number one single. More Trending Fans might also know of member Otis because of his famous mother, multi-millionaire beauty mogul Carla Oates. He famously used to cover his face in public, having only recently started to share snaps of his face online, much to the delight of fans. On his decision to cover up, he previously told the Daily Telegraph: 'It makes it easier to pick pictures; I always look OK because you don't see this f*****g crooked nose and fat a*s head.' Royel Otis are set to release their sophomore album, Hickey, on August 22. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Dying people pay me £5,000 to crash their funerals and reveal their secrets' MORE: Australian presenter and TV star David Stratton dies aged 85 MORE: Prisoners 'slaughtered and ate' guinea pigs while working at animal shelter
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Netflix viewers left with 'jaw on floor' over 'outrageous' new documentary
The new documentary is now available to stream on Netflix Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser -Netflix trailer Netflix viewers have branded a new documentary as "outrageous" as they have been left with their "jaw on the floor". August 15 saw a brand new docuseries land on Netflix, Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser, which takes an inside look at the making of the hit competition. The show ran for 18 seasons beginning in 2004 and finishing in 2016, and there was a revival attempt back in 2020. But this three-part series features exclusive interviews with the creators, producers, past contestants and trainers like Bob Harper who were involved in making the show. And fans are hooked as they brand the documentary as "outrageous" and is a must see. One star, who appeared in season 8, Tracey Yukich spoke about her experience on the documentary as she said it was life-changing. During one particular extreme challenge set up by the show's producers, she says she had a near death experience. Taking to TikTok one user branded the documentary as "outrageous" as they added: "Throughout the entire series my jaw was on the floor, I was in a red hot rage." One person commented: "It's really horrific. I actually loved watching the Australian version at the time. How things have changed! Why didn't I see it then?" Another replied: "OMG I literally just finished binge watching this! Awful." In another video, one person said they were left in tears as another replied: "Glad I'm not the only one who just broke into tears." Over on X, one person wrote: "Netflix has been in their bag with these documentaries. This Biggest Loser Doc is crazy." Another said: "Anybody watch that Netflix doc about the Biggest Loser yet? Wow that was one of the saddest things I've seen in a while." A third added: "this biggest loser doc is no joke. I love it. Netflix." Exploring the good, the bad, and the complicated, the series examines the show's approach to transformation and the support systems in place as well as how the experience shaped the lives of those involved on the show after the cameras had stopped filming. A Netflix synopsis reads: "Contenders on "The Biggest Loser" wanted the body of their dreams. Instead, many fell into a televised nightmare. Now, they tell their side of the story."
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
I'm A Celebrity icon tipped to return as hotly anticipated All Stars takes shape
The I'm A Celebrity… South Africa all-stars series is officially returning to ITV later in 2025—and several legendary jungle stars are in talks to come back. Starting in 2024, I'm A Celebrity… South Africa reunites old campmates from the ITV game show. This time, however, they're trading the Australian jungle for the desert. Last series saw the likes of Shaun Ryder, Gillian McKeith, Helen Flanagan, Phil Tufnell, and Jordan Banjo giving up luxuries for a gruelling challenge once more. The competition was ultimately won by Myleene Klass, who had originally finished second during the show's sixth series almost 20 years ago… but now, some more famous faces are coming for her crown. According to new reports, the latest former campmate being eyed up by bosses is none other than Ashley Roberts, whose first Jungle stint came in 2012. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Speaking of a potential return from the Pussycat Doll, 43, a source teased that there could be some very memorable scenes from her, thanks to one key element of the camp. 'Producers would love to see Ashley head back to camp. She's warm, hilarious, and, of course, drop-dead gorgeous. 'Just like Myleene Klass, who won the first All Stars series back in 2023, Ashley had some iconic moments soaping up in the outback waterfall,' they told The Sun. But that's not all, as a former fifth-place contestant is also looking set to go back, just three years after first taking on the dreaded trials. Reportedly keen for more, comedian Seann Walsh, 39, previously used the programme to redeem himself after his Strictly Come Dancing kissing scandal four years prior. A TV insider explained to The Sun that trying to claw back some of his reputation was 'no mean feat', given that 'he'd been branded an aggressive gaslighter as a result of his fling with Katya (Jones) and his treatment of his girlfriend.' 'Yet he managed to emerge as one of the more popular campmates and actually finished in a respectable fifth place in the contest,' shared the source. 'Part of the reason why he came across comparatively well was because he went into I'm A Celebrity with an even bigger love rat. 'His entry into the camp was alongside former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who was at the centre of an exclusive in The Sun revealing he had had an affair with a political adviser, Gina Coladangelo, in 2021.' But the rumour mill doesn't stop spinning there, as beloved King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp is also said to be close to signing on the dotted line with ITV bosses. As per The Sun, Harry, 78, who became the oldest-ever winner in 2018 and was paid £500,000 for his stint, will fly back out for round two in autumn before the series airs in the New Year. 'It's going to be a real coup,' a source told the paper. 'Harry is TV gold and was first on the list of wannabe celebrity contestants.' The football icon's win in the main series was watched by 11million people, with the nation reduced to tears as he was reunited with his wife, Sandra, on the bridge after, having frequently declared his love for her while in camp. Harry's first run for Jungle champ made him one of the programme's high earners, but the likes of Coleen Rooney and Nigel Farage still come out on top, having received a mega £1.5million for their signings. And Harry's people are remaining tight-lipped on his career plans currently, as a spokesperson for the sports star said in response to the rumours: 'This is speculation.' Meanwhile, there's another huge name already attached to the upcoming South Africa series… and it's Gemma Collins. The Towie star and TV personality, 44, is one of the most treasured personalities on British TV, and ITV is apparently hoping she'll boost viewing figures again this time around. Gemma infamously only managed three days in the Jungle when she was last on the show and made no secret of how much she hated every second. 'People who murder get treated better than this,' she famously said before quitting. 'That's the truth. Even a murderer gets fed three times a day.' Gemma's tears and tantrums gave social media a meme collection that still gets used today, so it's no surprise she's wanted back. A source told The Sun previously: 'She hated it first time round, but knows it would be TV gold for her fans if she gave it another go. 'The discussions could go either way, but signing her would be a huge win for execs.' For Gemma fans hoping she'll give I'm A Celebrity a second try, the recent rumours line up very nicely with comments the Dancing On Ice star made in 2019. Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show, she said: 'I will never forget getting the call. Looking back, I don't feel I was ready for that show. I was new to TV; I was the underdog on Towie. 'I wasn't the best-looking girl, I didn't have a model figure, I was this car girl from Romford selling cars. I was being put in the Jungle, and in hindsight, I wasn't ready for it.' She continued: I felt hugely out of my depth—I was petrified. If I was to go back now, I've got more experience. I've got a tougher skin now, and I think that's where the GC came into play. If they asked me back, yes, I'd go back.' Things didn't get off to a good start when Gemma went into the jungle in 2014, firstly refusing to parachute into camp with the rest of her teammates. She then withdrew due to panic attacks and later said that her ex-boyfriend, Alexander Moss, had 'severely beaten' her the night before she joined. The reality star said that ITV advised against her entering at first, but Gemma insisted she didn't want to waste the opportunity of a lifetime. Alexander, now 44, was eventually jailed for 21 months in 2019. Gemma told the Everything I Know About Me podcast: '[There was] all the embarrassment of like, you know what the TV programmes were saying, 'Gemma Collins left the Jungle, she was hungry, she was this.' And it wasn't my fault. More Trending 'I can remember lying in my flat where I lived and just thinking, I just want to die. I haven't done anything wrong. I've left the Jungle because of something that happened to me.' ITV has been contacted for comment. I'm a Celebrity… South Africa will return to ITV1 and ITVX early next year. This article was originally published on July 19, 2025. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: From a torn vulva to an accidental C-section – the most painful reality TV injuries ever MORE: 'Lots of unexpected twists and turns': Your favourite British TV thrillers MORE: Who is on Strictly Come Dancing 2025? Full line-up of contestants revealed
