4/5 Stars

Cardiff comedian Elis James starts his latest show by flashing back to a nightmare Fringe gig last year when a promising performance was derailed by a gobby gang of disruptive Glaswegians. Last year’s show was clearly not as strong as his 2012 reboot. This set, whimsically entitled Speaking as a Mother, is funny, charming and compelling enough to placate the rowdiest of Rangers fans.

James has a lovely, lilting way with words as he shoots the breeze about his family, his girlfriend and hitting his thirties. He feels unable to grow up and it can only be a matter of time before the NHS recognises his condition, which he dubs “Adult Imposter Syndrome”. He has just moved in with his partner and while the ticking of her biological clock is getting deafening, James, all dishevelled hair and bemused stare, barely feels as if he is out of puberty.

He is certainly mature when it comes to his performance though, delivering a succession of skilful, snappy anecdotes. The highlight is his encounter with two teenage girls who singled him out for rap-based mockery during a train journey. He is also very good when revealing his father’s ruthlessly logical cost-benefit analysis view of parenting — or “major burden” as dad describes it. There is no major burden watching this gig though. Elis has undoubtedly had the last laugh over 2011’s tormentors — Rangers have been relegated, he is in line for comedy promotion.

Elis James is not only a top notch comedian, he is the consummate storyteller. And the reviews are all true – this lovely Welshman really is one of the most likeable comics around.

There is a lot to love and laugh about in this hour-long show. Elis’ friendly persona coupled with his wonderfully animated style of storytelling make him an absolute joy to watch. Over the course of the show, we are treated to a myriad of hilarious anecdotes from getting “song raped” to that one time he had a brief but eventful connection with One Directions’ Harry Styles.

Each tale is structured superbly and delivered flawlessly but what really takes it to the next level is the accompanying comical re-enactments and the odd song and dance which are slipped in at just the opportune moments in the narrative. This performance element adds a whole new layer of comedy and entertainment to an already outstanding set.

As the show progresses, each story becomes increasingly funnier and more ludicrous that it’s almost too good to be true. Yet Elis recounts them with such authenticity and conviction that you are completely captivated and buy in to what he is telling you – the mark of an exceptional raconteur.

I cannot recommend this show enough – the material is delightfully witty, highly engaging and funny as hell. Ellis makes being a stand up comedian absolutely effortless. Another fantastic and super talented up-and-comer everybody should have their eyes on.

Kicking things off was Welshman Elis James who regaled us with hilarious stories about a drunken couple at a wedding and the time he was a one-song-wonder Christmas caroler. His seamless ability to tell a bloody good story – which includes amusing re-enactments – coupled with his likeable persona will leave you wanting more.

Link: http://whimsicalbanana.com/2013/04/29/nzicf-2013-comedy-all-stars-bmc/

This is as riotous an hour as you’re going to get in Edinburgh, an absolute cracker of an hour’s stand-up storytelling.

Elis James compered his way in for a minute or two and then launched himself into a hootingly funny story of last year’s show and the utter debacle of the night he had the reviewers in. Blessed with a mellifluous voice, he also has great physical poise which makes him a compelling performer to watch, particularly as he was unafraid of eye contact with individual audience members, he riveted the attention of the room and never faltered.

The stories are a mixture of ‘could happen to anyone’ and the very particular, but the were all seamlessly knit together and made for a cosy show. The plentiful autobiographical content is entertainingly revelatory – he’s a hoarder, a timid fighter, a polite smart mouth and a superb wedding guest.

The stories are simple, credible and delivered with a joy in language that lifts them far above the realm of the pub raconteur; this is an enhanced version of everyday life.

Among the anecdotes and belly laughs, there are moments of introspection, but made with such a light touch that it doesn’t feel like a self-conscious festival bolt-on, they add depth and colour to the show. He picks up on universal fears such as ‘Adult Impostor Syndrome’ and wondering whether anyone is ever really grown up enough to be a parent.

The great thing about James is he’s got a great sense of play and exuberance, but there’s a good measure of mature self assurance, not (just) cockiness that makes this a fully rounded and satisfying show.

Welshman Elis James is a likable chap. A natural rapport with the audience means he tells his anecdotal tales like a friendly chat, albeit an animated one. He adds flare with a melodic rhythm of language which makes him a performer, and not just the funny guy in the pub. Not afraid to get amongst it he leaps around, does the voices and acts out the scene. This is not to say he is overly theatrical. He is just a really great storyteller.

Elis James brings his hour long stand-up show to New Zealand for the first time. This emerging talent from the UK makes his audience feel at ease in the Classic Studio as he takes us on an autobiographical journey. Over 60 minutes he shares some hilarious memories. Whether he’s reminiscing about school friends, swimming pool mishaps, reliving practical jokes, or an unfortunate paintball experience, he will have your attention. You’ll never guess his connection to heartthrob Harry Styles of One Direction either? These stories are so mad they must be true.

He’s not angry or provocative. He’s not edgy or political. He’s just really bloody funny!

A friendly persona, accompanied by wonderful anecdotes, make this storyteller a dream comedian to watch. I highly recommend seeing this rising star. A perfect fit for the festival.

Elis James has just nailed the show he's been threatening to produce for a few years. The Welshman's fourth solo show, Speaking As A Mother is the sight of a comic going from being very good to bloody brilliant. I love this bit in comic's evolution.

The most successful Welsh comic in recent years has been Rhod Gilbert, who trades on anger and frustration. James's stories are more whimsical affairs based on ineptitude, misunderstandings and mild social embarrassment. The pair appear together on a Radio Wales show hosted by Gilbert, who ought to be wary that the scruffy indie kid doesn't nip in and steal his crown in the next few years.

From the off, Speaking As A Mother is big on laughter, with an anecdote about a bad gig he had at last year's Fringe. It seems barely conceivable now. His next one is a case of mistaken identity on Twitter. We also get one about his attempts to smuggle a panty liner to his girlfriend and some about his parents' own sense of humour. The routines are almost without fail packed with funnies.

He's one of the most likeable and witty comics around, with serious comedy chops to boot. He has mastered the art of understatement and knows how to use his accent to extract the maximum laughter from a gag. I'm certain he deliberately cranks up the accent for the word "risotto".

The only only thing that prevents this being a truly 5-star show is a bit of a lull towards the end, and it doesn't quite have that "I was there" feel to it. But boy did the Baby Grand get buffeted with laughter.

It's pithy, light-hearted and charming, you could take your naive young cousin or your blind gran and they'd both leave happy. Basically if you don't like Elis James you're a c$$t.

The best stand-up show at the Fringe this year? The bar has been set …

When it comes to comedy, there is no word that strikes greater fear in my heart than the word ‘intimate’. Yet that was the first word that popped into my head when I walked into the Classic Studio to watch Elis James.

Yet, I needn’t have worried. The homely, cosy space with the faint musty smell of your gran’s house was the perfect spot for the Welsh comic. His comedy drew heavily on his Welsh background and life in London, his stories resonating heavily with my friends and I (all Brits). If you don’t know what Tesco, ketamine, Harry Styles and Elephant and Castle are, you will after an evening with James.

There was no facet of British society that was safe in James’ routine – a mix of audience participation, a large dollop of story-telling, a dash of physical comedy and a large sprinkling of naughty words thrown in for good measure. If you have an aversion to swear words you’ll find them hard to ignore in James’ stories. You’ve been warned.

I was slightly apprehensive that the retelling of British tales would be alienating to the predominantly Kiwi audience. Judging by the hearty chuckles that accompanied each of James’ wonderfully recreated stories, I had no reason to be.

At times, I was bent double with laughter and that delicious feeling of familiarity that comes with good comedy. James’ magic lies in making you feel like you too have been in that exact same situation – even if you’ve never stepped onto a paintball field in your life.

Overall, the laughter was more pleasant rib-tickling than full-on belly-gripping – but it was still incredibly enjoyable.

Some comedians attempt to be groundbreaking or controversial; to smash boundaries or challenge expectations. James doesn’t. A night with Elis James is like going to the pub with your wickedly funny mate who makes you snort into your pint with laughter (something the setting of the Classic Studio complemented immensely).

Go see Elis James’ NZ debut. I get the feeling it won’t be the last time he graces our shores.