Phil Nichol

2010:Nominated for best headliner in the Chortle Awards. 2007: Nominated for best headliner in the Chortle Awards 2006: Appeared as the producer in Rob Brydon's BBC Three series Annually Retentive 2005: Appeared in BBC Two's Broken News, as camp showbiz reporter Josh Cashman on this BBC2 spoof 2003: Chortle Award nominee for best headliner 2002: Nominated for the Perrier for his Edinburgh show: Things I Like, I Lick 2002: Chortle award nominee for best male circuit comic 2002: Appeared as Philip Salon in the Boy George musical Taboo in the West End

Phil Nichol Videos

See more Phil Nichol videos

Angry Londoners Glasgow Comedy Festival 2012 Meet The Parents Do everything you're not supposed to Phil Nichol at Chortle's Fast Fringe Phil Nichol in discussion

Reviews

A Seriously Funny Attempt To Get The SFO in The Dock

Phil Nichol: Hiro Worship

Twelve Angry Men

BBC London Children in Need benefit

True West

Phil Nichol: The Naked Racist

Phil Nichol : Original Review

Monday 1st Sep, '03

Comedy Store's 30th Anniversary Charity Gala

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, understudy show

Talk Radio

Phil Nichol: Nearly Gay

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

Freedumb™

Phil Nichol: Things I Like, I Lick Perrier nominee

Phil Nichol

News

Comments

Older Comments

Rosie - 05/11/2011

Just got back from seeing Phil at The Comedy Store. Brilliant. Had the whole audience shrieking with laughter, got a member of the audience up to sing a song with him, and had the rest of us (British people!) singing along with gusto. Loved it.

Swamp Thing - 09/01/2011

Phil Nichol is the man. He's funny, exciting, awesome, and doesn't give a f**k. He rocks the stage like no other. You need to see him to believe it.

John S - 07/11/2010

Gigged for me at the weekend in Newcastle, encored Friday after following Reg D Hunter and Steve Hughes who dropped in to try some new bits, was encored twice with a very different set on Saturday... think they could have listened for another hour if the venue wasn't closing for the night... made a mass of fans this weekend and can't wait to get him back

Oe - 08/06/2010

Saw Phil Nichol doing work-in-progress in Greenwich on Sunday. I was exhausted by the end of it, and not in a good way. He was projecting a lot of anxiety and tension into the audience and it made for a very unenjoyable evening. The only laugh he got was when he dealt with a mildly amusing heckler by humiliating her in a rather aggressive and uncreative way. Charisma and charm was sadly lacking.

Mandy Allan - 11/01/2010

What Zach Galifianakis does with ease and a welcome of laughter, Nichol expends sweat and blood trying to mine one titter from. Nichol's biggest fan is very obviously Phil Nichol and this alienates the audience almost as soon as he gets on the stage. He's missing that particular MSG that made look-at-me-ism palatable in the acts of Robin Williams and Steve Martin. Grim, with a very obvious contempt for his audience.

Jamie Baxter - 13/08/2009

Lawks-a-Lawdy. Saw this clown last night. I can't even describe how bad this guy is. Not just bad - but criminally bad. Cringe-worthy bad. So bad it makes you want to hit people.

Chris - 23/07/2009

I've seen Phil on and off over the last few years I guess 10 times and last night I just didn't enjoy his new show, I'm not saying it's no good, just it's very different from the stuff he normally does and just didnt work for me.

David - 02/07/2009

Saw his new stuff for Edinburgh and it he looks like a man trying too hard to be funny to me.

Michelle - 20/05/2009

Saw him at the Tattershall Castle at the weekend - did the exact same sketch down to waving at imaginary parents in the front row. Great when he sings, everything else is pretty poor.

Greg McKeown - 04/03/2009

I saw him in Inverness recently. One of the best tickets I've bought in a long while! I'm a converted fan hence why I looked him up on here. When he's in Scotland next I will be there.

John Burns - 02/03/2009

Saw him at Eden Court in Inverness. A brilliant act, very, very, funny. Engaging, entertaining and enormously talented. All you other guys must have sen someone else. Don't miss him!

Nikki Flynn - 24/02/2009

My eyes were watering with laughter. A musically talented package of fun. I loved it.

Michael Monkhouse - 10/09/2008

Interesting range of comments here. I really like the guy - loud, full of fun, pretty damn hilarious at times. Worth watchin'.

James - 13/07/2008

Literally just back from seeing this guy do his Edinburgh preview. We left after 5 horrible minutes! Please do not pay to see him. Loud, arrogant, cannot connect with audience & forces his stereotyped opinions.

Andy - 31/08/2007

I am watching him on the Comedy Channel right now. Yeah wave your arms around, make silly noises and be very very camp is sure funny! Oh wait, no it isn't it just comes across as piss annoying! What a load of tosh. The most unfunny thing since cancer!

Terry Hughes - 14/08/2007

Saw him in Edinburgh with Hiro Worship. Very, very average. Looking back through Chortle's reviews it seems he has plenty of friends in the industry though - the latest one especially. How can a show 'not amount to much' yet receive a four star review? I'd advise all to spend their festival cash elsewhere.

Sean Callery - 10/06/2007

Just saw this guy completely bomb in rural Chipping Norton. Take away the swearing and there's not much there: he just isn't very funny.

Vic&J - 27/05/2007

Can't stop laughing The Only Gay Eskimo in Morrisey style in his hometown Manchester genius!

Joe - 26/04/2007

Saw Phil for the first time in Chamonix in February this year. Absolutely brilliant. Didn't stop laughing for days. Can't wait to see him in London.

Jo Phelan - 26/01/2007

Very funny, loud, and Oliver Reed-esque.

Lorna - 01/01/2007

Phil (and Corky and the Juice Pigs other members, Sean and Greg) never forgot to put free tickets at the door for me and my two friends (3 UK nannies unleashed on Toronto) at all their shows. When we had to leave early to catch the subway, they used to stop singing to wave and shout 'bye' to us! Nicer guy you couldn't wish to meet and so talented. Toronto misses you, Phil!

Mark Ellis - 12/12/2006

Really and honestly, I cannot see what all the fuss is about. He's energetic, camp, but terribly contrived. I can just see the beer-drinking public of Britain now, thinking 'He's naked and shouting and crazy! Let's give him a prize' Strip out his eager (but practised) delivery and there is so little of note there. If this is Perrier material Bernard Manning will be up for it next year. A terribly over-exposed (pun intended) comic.

Alaric Dynevor - 07/11/2006

To say that Phil is short on material just because he often performs Gay Eskimo is a little dull, especially when I have just seen him perform two hour-long shows on the same night, both of which I have seen before and both of which contained much new material. I also have it on good authority that most nights the Rolling Stones often perform Brown Sugar. Lazy gits. The most naturally gifted performer I have ever seen in 13 years of promoting comedy. Phil that is, not Mick Jagger.

Broderick - 29/10/2006

Very very funny, saw his double bill last night at the Garrick. Such a typical Toronto boy! The great thing about him is, even for all the in your face material, swearing, screaming, he's intensely likable. He's sincere, and polite... that's the good-natured Canadian spirit!

Chris - 23/08/2006

Phil is always a joy to see,I know some are tired of the Eskimo song but when he doesnt do it I feel kind of empty like he missed something. Phil Rocks

Karlene - 01/08/2006

I think he is fucking fantasti

SM - 05/06/2006

Seen him twice. Once in 2000, once in 2006. Both times he finished with the gay eskimo song. Yes, it's moderately entertaining, but for fuck's sake to not have any new matertial in 6 years is a bit desperate

Will - 11/05/2006

Horribly funny

Roddy - 01/05/2006

Saw Phil last night at The Stand in Glasgow, and he quite simply delivered one of the best stand-up performances I have seen in a long time. He exudes an infectious joy, fizzes with enthusiasm, and while his actual material may not be overflowing with word play and witticism, his delivery and improvisation makes for phenomenal entertainment. Great night out

Helen Murphy - 12/04/2006

What an outrageous, hilarious, mad man. Crowd rapport and interaction was superb. I cried laughing and wasn't alone. Great show.

Liz Rodgers - 10/03/2006

Phil Nichol is the most brilliant and talented artist I've ever seen

James Evans - 19/01/2006

He was the funniest comedian I saw in the short time I worked for Jongleurs and the only comedian to get an encore. In fact he got 3 encores before begging to be let go. His material may not be that of a Dylan Moran but that isn't what his act is. He built up the most amazing rapport with the crowd and that's impressive when you are that outrageous.

Richard - 02/01/2006

I wish to lend my support to the opinion of Phil Nicol being a little light on material. Also, let me suggest that 'hilarious' is not a required opinion of his Only Gay Eskimo song - trite seems more fitting.

Tom Dowling - 29/12/2005

Absolute nonsense. If all comedy was about was being outrageous Bernard Manning would be the funniest man alive. And he isn't. See Nichol perform twice and you will see the same zany 'randomness', the same 'improvised' insults and the same 'spontaneous' crowd interaction. Predictable, drunken student-orientated stand up. I advise you to steer well clear.

Liz Moss - 27/11/2005

Everything he says and does is so outragieous that all you can do is laugh - and that's what comedy is all about.

Melonie - 23/11/2005

If you like randomness, insanity and total confusion this man will do it for you. He had me in stitches all the way through. I ache I laughed so much.

The Guptans - 19/11/2005

Wasn't impressed at all. As others have said seems to hide a lack of material behind shouting alot. If it wasn't funny the first time then shout a little louder. Dragged the same unfunny jokes across the set. His five minute long joke about his girlfriends family was simply painful.

Bernie - 25/10/2005

Seen Phil twice and both times he has rocked the house! Top act. comedy genius.

Mark Robinson - 14/10/2005

I cannot see anything there beyond a little man shouting about nonsense . Mr Nichol obviously has the art of shouting at the audience to mask his lack of an act down to a 'T'. This too was the second time I've seen him and nothing has changed. He's still utterly annoying.

Jason Holdcroft - 10/10/2005

I saw him last night for the second time, and after all these years (well, about two) he remains resolutely off his rocker. If he can be said to have an 'act', then it's as unpredictable as a lightning storm and has twice as much energy. I don't know what they put in his water but I want some. Top notch comedy and refreshingly different from your average stand-up.

Alessio - 24/09/2005

This guy cracked my ribs because I laughed so hard. He is just outrageously funny.

Sue - 24/09/2005

Wild! Has the kind of glint in his eye that Spike Milligan had. A bit dangerous and edgey but always aware of where the audience's line was drawn - and liked to jump over it regularly. Became our comedy hero after a couple of minutes on stage. Genius!

im - 17/09/2005

Saw Phil at the Glee in Cardiff - and he was as usual amazing; spontaneous, energetic and very very funny. He pushes the boundaries, and when the audience demanded an encore he excelled himself. Simply one of the best on the circuit. T

Paul Stpehnes - 12/09/2005

What is the point in Phil Nichol? He is part of the reason why I rarely venture to clubs to view stand up now. His brand of ranting, shouting and spouting of inane nonsense, seen recently in Edinburgh, was cringe-worthy from start to end. I'm 26, hardly past it, yet Phil's act is designed to distract the audience from his lack of decent material.

Luby - 12/09/2005

I saw him on Saturday night in Cardiff and thought he was ace! I can understand why he wouldn't be to everyone's taste, but I absolutely loved his performance

Peter Craig - 03/09/2005

Quite the most over-rated performer on the UK comedy circuit today. Hides a lack of talent and material behind a one-dimensional delivery which had those who were drunk in the audience laughing and the sober confused. Phil is the type of comedian who makes you realize why comedy clubs serve alcohol. Without it, he really makes you realize why men acting like teenagers is so depressing.

Lucy - 19/08/2005

Absolute nuttter

Guffaw Comedy Club - 18/07/2005

I am asked to "get the 'American' with the guitar back" more than i am asked to get any other comic. He's just great and I love him.

Pam The Stalker - 21/06/2005

An absolute comic genius, I love him! Saw him in Edinburgh and London, can't get enough of him.

David - 30/05/2005

Superb. Totally in your face. Best live act seen in ages. Pure comic drama

Kevin - 05/02/2005

I don't usually like musical acts, but Phil is the exception. Some of the best comedy that I have ever seen. This guy will blow you away within seconds of being on the stage. Hyper, witty and amazing improvisational skill. He needs make a movie, Now!

Jamal Khan - 26/01/2005

Phil Nichol is one of the funniest comedians I've seen on the circuit. His interaction with the audience is second to none and produces some incredibly funny moments. I personally can't believe he is not doing more on television.

Lisa - 24/01/2005

Saw him last night at a fundraiser - either the ultimate 'off-night' or he's embarrassingly, cringe-makingly shite. When hitting the audience on the head with his microphone started to wear thin, he shared with us all the delightful sight of his exposed arse...when that failed to be met with rapturous laughter he sulked and ranted. All in all a tad disappointing.

Steve - 24/01/2005

I've seen Phil 3 times now. If you're drunk he seems funny, in the way the drunkest person seems funny when you've all had a few. If you're not drunk, you realise he's as annoyingly unfunny as the drunk you don't want to know. He died a horrible death at the Bloomsbury Tsunami fundraiser night. If he's on the bill, choose another night.

Shel - 03/12/2004

If you haven't caught Phil in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest yet, go see it! He's almost unrecognizable in the part at first, then his charm comes shining through. An absolutely wonderful night of theater. If you have the chance, follow it with his comedy set

Innuit - 30/11/2004

The Only Gay Eskimo is - it must be said - hilarious, zipping between Kurt Cobain, The Proclaimers, Oasis, but it's a set-closing finale that he seems unable to match elsewhere in his set.

Steve H - 18/11/2004

Bit of a one trick pony. Laughed the first time due to the shock value, second time it just the same and quite boring. Lots of energy ,little material.

Adam Franklin - 09/09/2004

The funniest comedian in the world.

Robert Schimmel - 30/11/-0001

I caught Phil last night at the HiFi Club in Leeds having seen stand up all round the world, I can honestly say I haven't seen a better live act. To those criticisng his apparent lack of material,if everyone in the room is crying with laughter what does it matter? I was stone cold sober and he still killed me, he is up there with Kinison in my opinion. But make your own mind up and make sure you check him out