18 October 2014 (gig)
26 October 2014
Seb Cardinal And Dustin Demri-Burns have now had 2 series of their sketch show Cardinal Burns broadcast on E4 initially and upgraded to Channel 4 for the 2nd series. Despite winning Best Sketch Show for Series 1 at the British Comedy Awards the guys have still yet to install themselves fully into the British Psyche. With material as diverse and more importantly extremely (and consistently ) funny as they have delivered so far this is sure to change......so the question in, will the live show live up to the TV show?
It's disappointing to see the Poole Lighthouse barely half full, but once the show begins it's clear to see that those present here tonight will make it seem like a full house.
It was difficult to imagine how the very well (sometimes feature film quality) produced TV show would transfer to the stage. But watching characters like the banter obsessed Metcalf and Jonsey interact with the crowd, and Paranormal Investigators Jase and Phil checking out the ghosts and ghouls in the theatre tonight, it's clear that Cardinal burns strength is exactly where it should be, in well timed, well delivered performance and intelligent laughs, and the lavish production we see on the tele is a mere imbellishment as opposed to a crutch to hold the sketches up. These Guys have their show and delivery rehearsed to a tee and it is very, very funny!
The fact they have pretty much no props or supporting actors for the show means that we don't get to see all of our favourites from the series. Sadly, their hilarious Banksy character doesn't get an outing ( must be at a car key swapping party somewhere ) and the Office Flirts don't make an appearance, shame , it would have been funny to see some hardcore flirting going on with some of the ladies in the audience here in Poole.
Not to worry though, what we do get is an hilarious selection of sketches, some of which is new material, some lifted straight from the show. But I think as a testament to the strength of their material, it's some of the sketches that we've already seen that get the best reception. Unlike a straightforward joke, where once you've heard the punchline once it's never quite the same again, some of these sketches are like a favourite song, and just get better and funnier when you know what's coming. It's still impossible not to cringe and giggle at the brilliant acting audition Eagle sketch. Rachael and Yumi from the too close for comfort Made In Chelsea piss take, Young Dreams, are definitely the biggest crowd pleaser, the whole audience just hanging on for Yumi's painfully delivered catchphrase "Racael Plllllllllleeeeeeeeaaaaaaasssseeeeee"
Cardinal Burns don't rely on catchphrases though, accents is more their thing, sometimes pulled off convincingly, sometimes not quite so, but it doesn't matter. The angry Scottish guys shouting at us the audience is hilarious. Metcalf and Jonesy's Stoke lads trying so hard to be the archetypal lads lads (you've all seen them, or been them!) batter us with banter. But Seb Cardinal's Northern Irish interviewer steals the show. Almost falling off his stool as he over pronounces his words whilst interviewing Dustin's mundane, man off the street character about his boring everyday life in the genius 'I Know Your Name'
The show tonight, much like Series 2, gets darker and more sinister towards the end, and for a finale, Turkish sex god Mini Cab drivers Hashtag and Bukake give us their own rousing version of Sex On Fire......"Wooooah, your skirt can go higher" "my tax disc expired" you get the drift ( has to be seen ! )
It's clear that these guys are not only comedians, but have genuine acting ability We get pulled into believing each character on performance alone without the need for backdrop, with minimal costume change or support. Just two very funny guys delivering well timed, sometimes side splitting.........banter! Not since Big Train have I seen such an intelligent, diverse, remarkably different slant on comedy. Hopefully, with another round of repeats on Channel 4 and a third series ( please? guys? ) Cardinal Burns will start to get the recognition they deserve.
As with any comedy, I can try and go on all day about how good these guys are, but the proof is in the pudding. Get yourself over to http://www.channel4.com/programmes/cardinal-burns and check them out for yourself.
The Cardinal Burns Tour is still in full swing, catch them near you while you you can;
http://www.cardinalburns.com/newsgigs/ - Check if they're near you in November
