Paintballing

From Dave's One Night Stand 2011

More Elis James videos

Cardiff-based Elis James began his comedy career in 2005. A bilingual stand-up who can perform in English or Welsh, he won the 'Best Comedy' prize at the National Student Radio Awards in 2006.

Elis James: Do You Remember The First Time
Live Review

Elis James is normally a master of whipping a crowd into a frenzy and getting huge laughs from even the smallest of audiences, but in a room hot enough to melt metal (possibly why my seat was broken) he had to work damn hard to keep this strangely unresponsive sell-out crowd energised.

The material is not the issue. James takes us on a journey of his 'first times' with some nicely-written little tales of growing up in Wales, moving to London as an adult and some of the stops along the way. The show focuses around a figure who has appeared fleetingly throughout James's entire life – and whom he now seems to be a little obsessed with. When he was seven years old he met ITV sports presenter Jim Rosenthal and this unlikely (and largely one-sided) relationship has developed from chance meetings to a heckling from the broadcaster which made the national press. And how odd that James is followed in the Pleasance Attic by Rosenthal’s son Tom – with yet another show involving the commentator.

James is a joy to listen to, not just because of his lilting Welsh accent but because of the passion and timing in the way he weaves his narrative. He paces the hour well with longer stories about his youth interspersed with friendly banter with the audience. He does break out of his flow quite early, though. The heat is getting to him and it's clear from the subdued crowd that they are feeling uncomfortable too. But rather than complain or lambast the venue, James breaks away off script to ensure that everyone has some water and even offers up his technician to fetch drinks for anyone who needs them. This is not rock n roll shock comedy. This is comedy that’s like a warm cuddle from your Nan.

James knows how far he can go too, referencing some ruder jokes he could make but never actually saying them out loud. He is right to stick to his gentle and nonthreatening persona as even these slight references raise a couple of gasps from his audience. He's just too sweet and likeable to be dark. Even a section about his stoner friend singing carols to raise money for his drug habit seems innocent with the phrase 'naughty smoking' and a singalong rendition of Wham's Last Christmas.

The issue that James may have is that the running thread of his chance meetings with Rosenthal are the strongest sections something he clearly recognises as the climax of the hour is focused around this, and the expensive projection screen is purely on stage to show the Daily Mail story involving the pair.

There are huge laughs and genuine interest from the crowd each time James returns to the story and because it is clear that it will be a topic we return to it is difficult to concentrate on what comes between, rapt as we are in the drama of Rosenthal. A point even further exaggerated when James loses concentration and skips ahead in his tale, only to realise that he's missed a section and has to backtrack.

This is a solid hour of stand-up, performed by a very accomplished young act but it is marred by the sheer heat in the venue and the effect it has on James's concentration. With some climate control, perhaps James could deliver the four-star show that this should be.

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Saw Elis in Buckingham last weekend. Very confident laid-back delivery of mainly observational material. He doesn't rely on obvious scenarios, so is pretty unique and well worth watching out for.

Jo Phelan, February 2012

Saw Elis for the first time at Cornbury Festival yesterday. Did very well in front of a very small and very tough crowd of mixed audience (mainly children and parents). Will look out for him in the future.

Marcus - Oxford, July 2011

Just saw Elis at Keele University, was a truly great show especially as most was impromptu banter! Definitely one to watch!

Steph, March 2011

Just back from Ed Fest 2010 - and probably saw around 70 stand-ups do their thing either on a bill or doing their own show. Having caught Elis on a late nighter at the Tron I went back to see his full show. Marvellous, bloody marvellous. Go see him and enjoy someone who really makes you feel safe in his hands. I want to adopt him!

Sue - Whitstable, August 2010

At the opening night of the Swansea Comedy Festival one of my comedians got on the train to Penzance rather than Swansea ... Elis not only did his 2010 Edinburgh show Daytripper, but he also did his 2009 show The Most Cautious Boy in Wales in the second half.He held the stage for two hours, never lost their attention and had massive laughs throughout the night. The opinion of the evening was that Elis is a brilliant talent and deserves to go far. What a star.

Caro Mad Dog Comedy, July 2010

I saw him when I went to see Rhod Gilbert and I thought he was just as funny. I think he's got quite fresh comedy; I don't think I've seen a comedian like him. If he was playing near me again I'm go and see him. He's cool!

Emma, October 2009

A real breath of fresh air! I saw him last night at the committee room in Porthcawl with Chris Corcoran. Really well crafted material that made the place fall apart with their very unusual observational type of comedy. The audience were all part of the act which made it even funnier than the typical comedy night. Elis played the grubby little club caretaker - he must have visited my local rugby club because many of his antics were so true.rnLooking forward to seeing him on his own next time because he's very funny!

Haulwen Pughe, September 2009

Elis is an extremely likable comedian. His show at Edinburgh was certainly a must see. I giggled from start to finish.

Avid risk taker, August 2009

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