Scout Boxall's 'God's Favourite' Delivers Raw, Thought-Provoking Comedy
Australian comedian Scout Boxall's latest standup show, God's Favourite, takes audiences on a deeply personal journey through one of the worst nights of their life. Presented at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, this production masterfully blends traditional comedy with theatrical storytelling, creating a unique and impactful experience.
A Night of Withdrawal and Medieval Reflections
While gradually donning a hand-sewn 14th-century nun's habit, Boxall recounts a harrowing experience of forgetting their bipolar medication while staying in a remote caravan park in regional Victoria. Without transport or internet access, they enter withdrawal for the first time in twelve years, leading to a fragmented narrative that jumps between medieval martyrs, Wordle strategies, and disastrous psychiatrist visits.
The reason for this remote location? Boxall was attending a Larp wedding—live-action roleplay events where participants immerse themselves in costumed adventures reminiscent of Dungeons and Dragons. This passion for Larp, particularly playing nuns, becomes a central metaphor throughout the show.
Exploring Mental Health and Historical Parallels
Boxall draws compelling parallels between medieval religious women and modern experiences with mental illness. They note that in the middle ages, religious communities offered quiet, safe havens for women with shared interests, while those with complex mental health conditions often faced asylums. For the ambitious, martyrdom presented an alternative—bleak but memorable.
In the early morning hours of their withdrawal, Boxall reflects on life before diagnosis and medication. They recall producing acclaimed writing in school that earned top marks and a university scholarship, and experiencing manic episodes that brought financial success. This leads to a poignant question: does medication make one unremarkable? Historical martyrs, after all, didn't have access to modern treatments like seroquel.
Polished Production with Raw Emotional Core
Described on Boxall's website as "part standup, part theatre," God's Favourite features carefully timed sound and light cues that create an immersive atmosphere. Boxall interacts with recorded dialogue, bringing audiences into conversations from across their life that blur together as the night progresses.
Despite the meticulous staging and tight writing, the show maintains a raw, authentic feel. Like a well-planned Larp event, the structured framework allows space for freedom and candor, making the emotional journey both accessible and profound.
A Show That Creeps Up on You
God's Favourite offers no grand revelations, instead presenting a sleepless night and the tangents encountered along the way. The show acts as a gentle nudge to consider history's sidelined women, community dynamics, neurodivergence, and embracing one's nerdiest aspects.
At its heart lies an age-old question: do artists need to suffer to create great art? And if so, is the price worth the masterpiece? Boxall's show suggests that being good, rather than great, might be the more meaningful pursuit. While they didn't flay themselves alive for this production, they've created something remarkably close to perfection.
God's Favourite continues at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival through April 5th, offering audiences a thoughtful, funny, and deeply human exploration of mental health, history, and artistic creation.
