confident and charming debut
Daniel McKeon’s debut hour “Boyboss” takes the form of a seminar loosely based on how to fail in the best way, and to successfully reach the title of ‘Boyboss’.
With handy flipchart to aid him, we set off on our first of seven lessons – ‘beginner mindset’ and off we trot. Not to spoil the seminar, but we cover topics around Daniel’s relationships, long distance relationships, the perils of being easily tricked, Tumblr, squatting superheroes, and cats being loose in the building. This is a lot of fun and generates a steady stream of giggles throughout. He pulls no punches in getting stuck into his material, the question of smoking weed with his dad comes up early, as does an unfortunate Pompeii resident, and whilst these are pleasingly delivered, they might have a greater pay-off later in the set, when the crowd are more warmed up and on-side.
The uppermost reaches of The Caves are not an easy venue to work in, and the bright spotlight doesn’t help with crowdwork, but Daniel exuded a warmth and wryness throughout. This was tested early on before bouncing back well from some conversation killers from the crowd at the top of the hour, but over the course of the show, the crowd warmed up and were more forthcoming in their interactions, allowing more space for Daniel’s quick wit.
The seminar lessons added an appealing structure, which was sometimes a little lost in the anecdotes, but all added to the fun. There’s some really heartfelt moments too, particularly when talking about his long-distance relationship with his girlfriend and the use of his Boyboss training to win her affections, However, the visual aids to his presentation which appear towards the end of the show, are really the crowd-pleasing highlight, and provoked screeches of laughter from the crowd.
This is a charming and confident debut, which is entertaining and good fun, and an opinion shared by the rest of the audience too, judging from the warm applause.
Daniel McKeon: Boyboss runs to 24 August, at 21:30 at Just the Tonic at The Caves. Tickets available from: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/daniel-mckeon-boyboss