Elis James
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 Videos
Reviews
Elis James: Fringe 2012

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.
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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.
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Elis James Dates
Sat 29 Jun 2013
- The Hob
- 21:00
- £9 (£6 concs)
- Addy Van Der Borgh, Elis James, Harriet Kemsley
Sat 6 Jul 2013
- Union Chapel
- 19:45
- £18 (£16 concs)
- Elis James, Josie Long, Pete Firman, Phil Nichol, Stewart Lee
Thu 10 Oct 2013
- Chris Corcoran & Elis James: The Committee Meeting
- Brighton Dome
- 19:45
- £12 (£10 concs)
Thu 21 Nov 2013
Book Now- Birmingham Glee Club
- 20:00
- Adult - £11.00, Student - £6.00
- Andrew Ryan, Andrew Ryan, Chris McCausland, Chris McCausland, Elis James, Elis James, Gavin Webster, Gavin Webster
Thu 21 Nov 2013
Book Now- Birmingham Glee Club
- 20:00
- Adult - £11.00, Student - £6.00
- Andrew Ryan, Andrew Ryan, Chris McCausland, Chris McCausland, Elis James, Elis James, Gavin Webster, Gavin Webster
Fri 22 Nov 2013
Book Now- Birmingham Glee Club
- 20:15
- Adult - £15.50, Student - £6.50
- Andrew Ryan, Andrew Ryan, Chris McCausland, Chris McCausland, Elis James, Elis James, Gavin Webster, Gavin Webster
Fri 22 Nov 2013
Book Now- Birmingham Glee Club
- 20:15
- Adult - £15.50, Student - £6.50
- Andrew Ryan, Andrew Ryan, Chris McCausland, Chris McCausland, Elis James, Elis James, Gavin Webster, Gavin Webster
Sat 23 Nov 2013
Book Now- Birmingham Glee Club
- 20:15
- Adult - £18.50
- Andrew Ryan, Andrew Ryan, Chris McCausland, Chris McCausland, Elis James, Elis James, Gavin Webster, Gavin Webster
Sat 23 Nov 2013
Book Now- Birmingham Glee Club
- 20:15
- Adult - £18.50
- Andrew Ryan, Andrew Ryan, Chris McCausland, Chris McCausland, Elis James, Elis James, Gavin Webster, Gavin Webster
Represented by
Chris Lander
Phil McIntyre Management
contact by email
Office: 020 7291 9000


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Older Comments
Caroline Bateson - 16/08/2012
Saw Elis with Chris Corcoran in the Committee Meeting last Friday in Edinburgh. It was a hilarious show and the comedy was so well observed. Hilarious. He was very funny. Go and see it!
Jo Phelan - 03/02/2012
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.
Marcus - Oxford - 03/07/2011
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.
Steph - 01/03/2011
Just saw Elis at Keele University, was a truly great show especially as most was impromptu banter! Definitely one to watch!
Sue - Whitstable - 28/08/2010
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!
Caro Mad Dog Comedy - 03/07/2010
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.
Emma - 16/10/2009
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!
Haulwen Pughe - 18/09/2009
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!
Avid risk taker - 24/08/2009
Elis is an extremely likable comedian. His show at Edinburgh was certainly a must see. I giggled from start to finish.
Hugh Jardon - 06/01/2009
I have seen Elis a number of times, and he has always entertained and impressed. His particular brand of Welsh whimsical humour is refreshing compared the agressive 'shock' comedy that seems to abound currently. He seems builds up a good rapport with the audience, and his banter and heckler put-downs are always witty and sharp.
A Gilder - 16/10/2008
Elis James is the resident compere at my University (Glamorgan) this year, and he has never failed to cause glee as of yet. I have also seen him supporting Rhod Gilbert and also appearing on Rhod's radio panel show Jest a Minute, he was outstanding on both occasions.
Martin Hill - 03/09/2008
A very natural, honest and entertaining performer. A real talent.
H Widdicombe - 10/07/2008
Elis James is a fantastic comic who I have gigged with on a number of occasions and had compere and headline my two clubs. He has never failed to deliver a charming set that has left my punters coming back for more. Wonderful to watch.
matt price - 22/06/2008
I think he's great.
Victoria Webb - 06/04/2008
I have seen Elis more than once and consistently enjoyed his stuff. I have never failed to laugh my socks off at this endearing observations. A little fav of mine
T Craine - 09/03/2008
I have gigged with and watched Elis countless times, and have seen him go from strength to strength- most notably over the past few months. I most recently saw him rock a theatre of over 400 where he was supporting Rob Brydon. He has some of the most honest and endearing material you'll hear on the circuit- and an instantly likeable stage presence. A superb chap off stage to boot - definitely one on the up.