When Rex Boyd introduces himself we find out a
little bit about him, such as that he is originally from Kansas, USA but
has been living over here for the last ten years, which serves as a foundation
for his opening material.
We are treated to a well crafted routine revolving around the
differences between opposing sides of the pond and, unaware of what's to come, the
audience start to settle down for a further half hour or so of great quality
"normal" comedy.
To sum up a first impression of Boyd in just one word: Energy!
He leaps around the stage, emoting every punchline with a theatrical grandeur.
Before too long the confines of conventional stand-up prove too
restrictive for him and things start to get a little different.
After expertly easing the crowd onto his wavelength Boyd brings American style
street theatre to the UK comedy stage. We get dance and mime (in a good
way... No, Really!) leading up to a grand finale as audience members are called
upon to help re-enact the story of Robin Hood.
It might not be to everyone's taste and some of the less extroverted audience members
could be seen cringing in fear of becoming an involuntary member of the cast,
but the universal sense of "Thank God he didn't pick me!" served to heighten
the enjoyment after the danger had passed.
It's a refreshing change to see an act that dares to be so different from
peoples expectations, truly breaking the proverbial mould and doing it with such
style and confidence that only the most humourless among us could possibly be
left unimpressed.
