Chris Cantrill delivers an hour of energetic storytelling that focuses on a sense of geography and place, his animated stage presence and quick delivery is inviting and keeps the audience engaged as he moves through his time as a writer for Saturday Night Live UK, grapples with overcoming a mid-life crisis and delves into the bizarre history of his hometown’s infamous tree, which once “the whole community hung a pedo from” and is now celebrated as a local treasure.
Cantrill repeatedly returns to his community and the place he calls home, connecting wider themes of mental health, tradition and family that shape the character of village life. He offers glimpses into his own family, touching on his wife’s recovery from cancer with warmth.
His comedy feels remarkably natural, which allows the humour to flow in and out of the most unexpected and intriguing subjects. . At one point, Cantrill speaks about “putting his wife to sleep” before the stage is plunged into complete darkness, creating a striking visual pause. This is followed by a video of him drunkenly attempting to cut down the tree, which serves as a central theme throughout the hour of comedy. It is a wonderfully playful addition, offering something different to his comedy, delivering a vibrant hour of sharp and lively humour.
Chris Cantrill: Rewilding, 12:10 at O’Neill’s (The Tron) at Monkey Barrel Comedy,August 3-30
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/chris-cantrill-rewilding
