On Russell Howard's Good News

November 2009

More Craig Campbell videos

Craig Campbell at Latitude 2010
Live Review

It may be only just after noon, but Craig Campbell easily holds the attention of a couple of thousand Latitude-goers, packing the vast comedy tent and beyond.

The Grizzly Adams of stand-up projects the sort of rugged outdoorsman person that these one-off campers can only aspire to; a no-nonsense, get it done attitude that commands the marquee.

As a ‘Canadian who live among you’, Campbell tells the British they are a nation of frugal, emotionally stunted drunkards. He means it as a compliment, and having lived here for 12 years knows how to flatter, however unlikely it may seem.

At face value, his set is based on the compere’s favourite trick of mocking various nationalities. But Campbell largely avoids the obvious stereotypes and speaks both from experience, and with love.

His own compatriots are mocked for their meek compliance, whereas their southern neighbours are teased for their over-reaction to everything, as illustrated by a story of his encounter with highway patrol cops. In fact, brushes with authority are common for this imposing but affable figure.

His experiences as a foreigner in these lands provide the flip-side to the nationalty-baiting, and the way he’s impressed by everything from the NHS to our lax attitude to the Highway Code can’t be faked.

And that’s the essence of Campbell’s appeal; he’s 100 per cent genuine, with entertaining yarns from his life and an obvious joie de vivre that’s nonetheless subdued. He is, after all, not American.

Skip to page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

I saw Craig recently in Liverpool. Along with Stuart Francis and Tom Stade the best Canada has to offer. Simply brilliant.

W Somers, July 2010

I saw Craig supporting Frankie Boyle in Newcastle on Saturday and he was excellent - I thought he was miles better than Frankie was and thought that Craig should have been on stage for much longer than the 20 minutes he had. I hope he comes back to Newcastle again - I will definitely be there!

Jackie, May 2010

Craig is a unique and special talent. One of the funniest, most naturally gifted performers in the world and one of the most respected. Our audience in Cardiff absolutely adore him and I have never seem him be less than brilliant.

Matt Price, May 2010

Saw Craig last night, supported Frankie Boyle at the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline. He was fantastic. Never laughed so much, think there was tears! Would not be harsh to say that he was better than Mr Boyle himself and should have given him the 1 1/2 hour slot!

Pickles, March 2010

Craig Campbell, what a guy, I saw him at the Sonisphere festival in Knebworth and he was amazing

James, August 2009

Saw Craig In Bournemouth last summer, absolutely brilliant. It was as good as a night at the Comedy Store in its heyday!

Stuart, February 2009

Have been to many comedy clubs over the past years and Craig was the best performance I've seen - absoloutley brilliant! Would happily go and see him again!

anon, December 2008

Saw Craig in Dundee tonight (Abertay Students Union), amazing show. I had tears in my eyes. He really knows how to play to a Scottish crowd (often not easy!). The anecdote about the Glasgow all night bakery will stay with me for a while. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Gus Thomson, September 2008

Skip to page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8