Words: Caitlin Finnerty
4 stars
If comedy, shows, and a touch of excellence are your thing, then Phil Ellis’s Excellent Comedy Show is an absolute gem that promises an hour of laughter. This Edinburgh Award-winning comedian, hailing from the North West, enters the stage dressed in a black morph suit, cat ears, and cat makeup, setting the tone for his irreverent and high-energy performance.
His tall and lanky frame doesn’t hinder his exuberance as he leaps and meows through an opening number, singing his heart out to Jellicoe Cat from the musical Cats. Despite being 41, his energy level and enthusiasm are infectious.
Phil’s interactions with the audience are gold. He’s got crowd work down to a T, and his interactions make every show unique. Even his terrible winking is oddly endearing. His unique persona, reminiscent of the Grinch with a side of self-deprecating charm, carries the show.
Backed by a live band, his comedy is punctuated by musical interludes that range from Elton John to ABBA. With his improvised rap session and witty banter, Ellis keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The final message he leaves behind is simple yet poignant: “be who you wanna be”, even if that’s a grown man dressed as a cat.
Whether you’re young or young at heart, British or from afar, Phil Ellis’s Excellent Comedy Show is a guaranteed easy hour of laughs.
Phil Ellis’s Excellent Comedy Show
Monkey Barrel Comedy, Monkey Barrel 1
19.35
26 Aug
