REVIEW: THINGS ARE FINE ACTUALLY

Neil McArthur is working through a post-pandemic meltdown. The cause? A three star review from an Airbnb host. This leads McArthur to the realization of just how much society is obsessed with being rated at all times and anything less than 5 stars means failure. How do we navigate this obsession and remain sane? That's what McArthur's solo show, Things Are Fine Actually, attempts to explain.

McArthur has an unassuming presence and is well spoken throughout. His years as a philosophy professor have undoubtedly helped him with being a skilled speaker and his light, educational humour guides us through the narrative. A box on stage holds a collection of what he considers “three star inventions” that no one has ever really tried to improve such as ice trays and ketchup packets. Each prop tells a story of the ebbs and flows of trying your best while escaping the onus of perfection. The stories often feel random and sometimes go on a bit too long without circling back to the premise itself. Ironically, McArthur mentions not wanting to make this show a TedTalk where, in all honesty, this format is how this show would best be presented. More visuals mixed with this narrative would help the audience stay better engaged rather than lectured to (an easy thing to do in a solo performance).

Overall, with all the solo acts at the Fringe this year, this one is….fine, actually but would benefit from tighter pacing and allowing each anecdote space to be better understood. I would recommend it to anyone interested in unique, historical facts and for anyone wanting to break free from the oppressive need to be 5 stars all day, every day.