Review: Return of the Lumberjacks – Gala Theatre, Durham
In 1998, Canadian stand-ups Stewart Francis, Glenn Wool and Craig Campbell hooked up at the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time in a show called Lumberjacks On Ice.
Since then, they’ve made the UK their home – literally and figuratively – in no small part down to the fact we’ve taken to them too.
Tonight’s compere, gag merchant Stewart Francis, sold out the Durham Gala in his own right last year.
He’s pretty much a household name after two DVD releases, and even if you don’t know him you’ll know his jokes – which is why it’s baffling to see empty seats tonight.
Giggle Beats gave Return of the Lumberjacks five stars at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe – and given time to breathe it only gets better.
Francis, Wool and Campbell on the same bill is a fantasy comedy line-up, and, in my opinion, the best value you’ll get from a touring show this year.
As expected, pithy one-liners are the order of the day from Francis, before our first set from Glenn Wool.
You get the impression tonight’s crowd don’t quite know what to make of Glenn, as he weaves loaded political rhetoric with that understated, cutesy delivery of his.
But he soon wins them over – if they were even apprehensive to begin with – shifting from playful banter about his homeland to a lengthy routine on religious shtick that pays off in spades. Always a joy to watch.
Our final Lumberjack, Craig Campbell, saves the best ‘til last. Craig couldn’t be more different to his Canadian pals on tonight’s bill; he doesn’t really do one-liners, nor does he veer into political discussion. He’s a traveller with plenty of stories to share.
On the surface they’re not particularly exciting tales, but Campbell has an unrivalled ability to turn a misheard word into a thrilling adventure through Canada’s treacherous landscape.
There’s an affectionate nod to his home country throughout the set, as he shares the little nuances that make Canada that little bit special.
And after tonight’s sterling effort, I think we all appreciate Canada more too. Cheers, fellas.
