Showman

Michael McIntyre relies on physical comedy and an exaggerated vocal range to transform the most mundane annoyances of suburban life into arena-sized theatre. His first Netflix special, Showman, treats everyday minor inconveniences like military operations. Getting out of bed to use the bathroom at night becomes an exercise in stealth to avoid creaking floorboards and waking up his wife, who might otherwise start buying expensive shoes online. Getting into a bath that is too hot yields a highly specific sequence on the ‘red skin socks of pain.’

Filmed at the London Palladium in March 2020 (literally days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down live performance), the special captures McIntyre at the tail end of his ‘Big World Tour,’ which saw him perform for nearly a million people worldwide. That global perspective filters into his material here, which includes bits about avoiding sharks in Australia, the vowels of New Zealanders, and the difference between performing for British audiences and polite Americans.

Despite his massive commercial success, McIntyre has often been a polarizing figure for comedy purists who find his material lightweight. Yet, Showman demonstrates his reliable ability to stretch thin premises. He mocks a shark-attack survivor for being surprised to find a shark in the ocean, and demonstrates the frustration of constantly resetting online passwords. His act relies heavily on expressive physical acting and relentless pacing, filling the cavernous Palladium stage with nothing but nervous energy and marital complaints.