Jack Dee
Jack Heal
Jack Samuel Warner
Jack Whitehall
Jackie Mason
Jaik Campbell
James Acaster
James Blood
James Branch
James Campbell
James Christopher
James Corden
James Dowdeswell
James Goldsbury
James Hately
James Kirk
James Mason
James Mullinger
James Redmond
James Sherwood
Jamie Sutherland
Jan Ravens
Jane Bostock
Jane Hill
Janey Godley
Janice Phayre
Jared Hardy
Jarlath Regan
Jarred Christmas
Jason 'Entertainment' Cooke
Jason Byrne
Jason Cook
Jason Freeman
Jason John Whitehead
Jason Kavan
Jason Manford
Jason Patterson
Jason Rouse
Jason Wood
Jasper Carrott
Javier Jarquin
Jay Foreman
Jay Lafferty
Jay Ryan
Jay Sodagar
Jeff Brighton
Jeff Caldwell
Jeff Green
Jeff Innocent
Jeff Leach
Jeff Stevenson
Jefferson & Whitfield
Jem Brookes
Jen Brister
Jennifer Saunders
Jenny Eclair
Jeremy Dyson
Jeremy Hardy
Jeremy Hotz
Jerry Lewis
Jerry Sadowitz
Jerry Seinfeld
Jessica Fostekew
Jethro
Jim Bowen
Jim Campbell
Jim Davidson
Jim Gaffigan
Jim Jefferies
Jim Smallman
Jim Tavare
Jimbo
Jimeoin
Jimmy Bird
Jimmy Carr
Jimmy Cricket
Jimmy McGhie
Jo Brand
Jo Caulfield
Jo Coffey
Jo Dakin
Jo Enright
Jo Romero
Jo Selby
Joan Rivers
Joanna Neary
Joanne Lau
Joe Bor
Joe Bromehead
Joe Cornish
Joe Heenan
Joe K
Joe Lycett
Joe Mercer
Joe Rooney
Joe Rowntree
Joe Wells
Joe Wilkinson
Joel Dommett
Joey Page
John Bishop
John Cleese
John Colleary
John Cooper
John Flint
John Fothergill
John Gavin
John Gordillo
John Kearns
John Lenahan
John Lloyd
John Lynn
John Mann
John Moloney
John Oliver
John Pinette
John Robins
John Ryan
John Scott
John Warburton
John-Luke Roberts
Johnny Armstrong
Johnny Candon
Johnny Vegas
JoJo Smith
Joleed Farah
Jon Culshaw
Jon Plowman
Jon Richardson
Jon Torrens
Jonathan Hearn
Jonathan Mayor
Jonathan Paylor
Jonny Sweet
Joseph Wilson
Josh Howie
Josh Widdicombe
Josie Lawrence
Josie Long
Josie Wicks
Jovanka Steele
Joy Carter
Jude Mahon
Julia Clark
Julia Morris
Julian Clary
Julian Deane
Julie Jepson
Juliet Meyers
June Brown
Junior Simpson
Justin Brett
Justin Moorhouse
James Dowdeswell
James Dowdswell at Comedy BitesAs part of the 2009 Melbourne International Comedy Festival |
More James Dowdeswell videos |
| James Dowdswell at Comedy Bites |
| At the Chortle Fast Fringe showcase |
| James Dowdeswell: Wine Lover, Comedian, Count F*ckula |
Other footage
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James Dowdeswell: My Grandad was a Clown and Those are Big Shoes to Fill |
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![]() If Foster’s ran a competition for the best title at the Edinburgh Fringe… well, Stewart Lee would probably complain about it. But James Dowdeswell would probably win it. This is a cute little show inspired by his discovery that his great-grandfather William was a music-hall clown who worked alongside Charlie Chaplin and the Victorian impresario Fred Karno, a slapstick pioneer. So he dug around a bit to unearth some old photographs and press cuttings, as well as going to a clown school called How To Be Stupid to try to reconnect with his forebear. And that’s pretty much it. There are no great Who Do You Think You Are? revelations about his family history, or any attempt to make anything more of the story than the curiosity it is, which leaves it feeling a little inconsequential. Even with a couple of ‘greatest hits’ routines from Dowdeswell’s 12 years on the circuit – one about him having the brief role of Count Fuckula in Extras four years ago, which is vaguely relevant, and one the station announcer at Bristol Parkway, which isn’t – the show only clocks in at 45 minutes. One of William’s reviews called him an ‘able’ comedian, which presents something of an open goal for any modern-day critic wanting to describe Dowdeswell, though that would be to deny the affable charm that just about carries the often flimsy content here. A couple of 100-year-old jokes are dusted down to show that some of the wit still works today, in contrast to some of the new jokes that already feel a bit creaky, such as imagining what sort of events might be included in a clown Olympics. As a finale, Dowdeswell tries to recreate what his ancestor’s act might have been, albeit very knowingly; but he hardly throws himself into the role, seemingly uncomfortable being anything other than himself. While ‘himself’ is a likeable enough prospect for any Fringe-goer, and the show is indeed warm and affable, there’s a distinct feeling of missing substance. Big shoes to fill indeed.
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| Date of live review: Monday 16th Aug, '10 | |
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Review by Steve Bennett |
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Show - Edinburgh Fringe 2008 - | |
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Tuesday 9th Oct, '07- | |
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Show - Edinburgh Fringe 2007 - | |
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Show - Edinburgh Fringe 2003 - | |
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Show - Edinburgh Fringe 2005 - | |
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Slow burner but warm and amusing. Loved the Eminem routine. Nick Craythorne, February 2010 |
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Saw him in mebourne this year, he was onstage as part of this line-up so i only got to see a couple of mins of his material. Very funny anf friendly guy, despite his show being called, 'No More Mr Nice Guy!' Andi, May 2009 |
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Genuinely funny chap. No sour aftertaste. Jon, October 2006 |
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Saw him die on his arse playing to a cruise audience, most entertaining. NWT, October 2006 |
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Very very good. The gawky spak-rapper. Retro Bates, March 2006 |
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Really hilarious,being from the West Country as well made it even funnier - but my London friends were wetting themselves too! Eminem should watch his back...astounding Micha Carter, July 2005 |
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Excellent comedian, saw him at Brighton and didn't stop chuckling for days. so many quotable gags and fantastic Eminem impressions. James you're a legend and cant wait fr the next gig. Sas, January 2005 |
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Very good, I saw him in Bristol and he played the local card very well. This guy should go far Chris W, September 2004 |
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Where can I see James Dowdeswell next?
| 20:15 - Saturday 11th Feb, '12 | |
| Venue: | 99 Club Islington |
| Prices: | £15 |
| Comics: | Chris Martin, James Dowdeswell, Matthew Osborn, Matt Green (MC) |
| 20:30 - Saturday 11th Feb, '12 | |
| Venue: | Comedy Pub |
| Prices: | £10 |
| Comics: | |
| 16:40 - Sunday 12th Feb, '12 | |
| Venue: | Leicester Kayal |
| Prices: | £8 (£7 concs) for as many shows as you like here today |
| Comics: | James Dowdeswell |
| Info: | Gonzo Is Not Just A Muppet |
| 20:00 - Thursday 16th Feb, '12 | |
| Venue: | Braintree Arts Theatre |
| Prices: | £10 |
| Comics: | Andrew Watts, James Dowdeswell, Matt Rudge, Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue |
| 20:00 - Saturday 25th Feb, '12 | |
| Venue: | South Shields Customs House |
| Prices: | £13 (£11 in advance) |
| Comics: | Andy Clark, James Dowdeswell, Norman Lovett |
| Info: | Plus: MC John Smith |
| 20:00 - Friday 2nd Mar, '12 | |
| Venue: | Nottingham Just The Tonic |
| Prices: | £10 (£5 concs) |
| Comics: | James Dowdeswell, Mark Maier, Wes Zaharuk |
| Info: | MC Darrell Martin |
| 20:00 - Saturday 3rd Mar, '12 | |
| Venue: | Nottingham Just The Tonic |
| Prices: | £13 (£7 concs) |
| Comics: | James Dowdeswell, Mark Maier, Wes Zaharuk |
| Info: | MC Darrell Martin |
| 20:00 - Sunday 4th Mar, '12 | |
| Venue: | Comedy Pub |
| Prices: | Free, voluntary donation at the end |
| Comics: | Andrew Watts, Catie Wilkins, James Dowdeswell |
| 20:00 - Sunday 20th May, '12 | |
| Venue: | Bath Comedy Cavern |
| Prices: | £8 (£7 concs) |
| Comics: | James Dowdeswell, Maff Brown |

Big Value Comedy Show... Late
Edinburgh Fringe 2002
Dunlop and Dowdeswell
Edinburgh Fringe 2003
James Dowdeswell Explores Dowdesworld
Edinburgh Fringe 2005
James Dowdeswell: 7
Edinburgh Fringe 2007
James Dowdeswell: Wine
Edinburgh Fringe 2008
James Dowdeswell: No More Mr Nice Guy
Edinburgh Fringe 2009
James Dowdeswell: When I Grew Up I Wanted To Be Kenny Everett And Other Stories
Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Chortle Presents Fast Fringe [Edinburgh 2010]
James Dowdeswell: My Grandad was a Clown and Those are Big Shoes to Fill
Edinburgh Fringe 2011
James Dowdeswell: Doofus


