Danny Bhoy - Subject To Change

Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy is most likely better known in Canada than in his homeland at this point in his career. Subject To Change, his first show for North America, was filmed in Montreal, hardly a surprise considering that he has been picking up a devoted following through his annual pilgrimage to the Just For Laughs Festival. His first live DVD does bring the funny. He has more than enough material to fill the 70-minute show without things dragging, and he covers a lot of ground, including the usual "fish out of water" view of North America and a great anecdote about meeting the Queen. He's very likeable and has a natural charisma that makes it hard not to laugh, even though his material isn't particularly edgy or innovative. It is, however, rather funny. He has a stand-up style very similar to fellow Scot Craig Ferguson: relaxed and always on the verge of being angry in an amused, smiley kind of way. He has some nice, playful interaction with the audience, who just eat it up, although there's a very good chance that he uses the same patter every night. Even his tangents feel forced and rehearsed, suggesting that by this point, he knows every line, pause and facial expression by heart. Not that there's anything wrong with that, because ultimately, his goal is to make everyone laugh and he definitely succeeds. The highlight of the DVD, however, is one of two extra short films. Allegedly made in conjunction with the Scottish Tourist Board, A Visitor's Guide To Scotland is a very cynical and funny look at Scotland, skewering just as many stereotypes as it reinforces. Finally, someone who really understands the appeal of Dundee.