Late Late Show host Craig Ferguson has been taking the opening monologue to new heights on his show, with a mix of confessional and observational styles that draw on his own life experiences and his view of pop culture. His new stand-up comedy album, A Wee Bit O’ Revolution, follows the same path, spiced with a bit more cussing, and like the monologues, the stand-up comedy works best when Ferguson gets confessional. He has a wonderful storytelling sense, which, combined with his likable persona, draws the viewer in, whether he’s talking about his love for America (which he does frequently) or his alcoholism.
The show was recorded at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston on July 4, 2008 and was Ferguson’s first stand-up performance since becoming an American citizen. The first half of the show showcases his more autobiographical comedy, with the comedian loosely following a storytelling thread as he moves from visiting America for the first time to growing up in Scotland to dealing with alcoholism to moving to America. Ferguson is a gifted storyteller with no fear of getting silly, and while there are few laugh out loud moments, this part of the performance has a spark and an intimacy which makes one happy to follow him on his tangents, confident that he will be entertaining no matter where he goes. Highlights include a discussion on Sean Connery’s Spanish accent in The Highlander and teenage Craig’s misguided decision to try chloroform at a Blue Oyster Cult concert, but the entire monologue is funny.
The second half of the show shifts a little to be less confessional and more observational, with Craig’s take on pop culture and politics. This part doesn’t work as well. The references to Bush and Tom Cruise seem dated already — they must have sounded a bit dated even in 2008 — and Ferguson makes a point of not getting personal with his own politics. While I understand his position, his comedy works best when he draws on the personal. This part of the show is still entertaining, but lacks both the bite and the warmth of the earlier half.
Article comments
1 - Debbie
Just to let you know, the concert was actually taped in October of 2008. He was hosting the fireworks on the 4th of July. He had scheduled his concerts, and decided that Boston would be where he would film the special/DVD.
2 - Gerry
Thanks for clearing up the date! Much appreciated. Wish I could go back and edit, sigh.