Let’s face it the Hive isn’t usually the place you want to be at 12:30 in the afternoon but Phil Ellis changes this. His crazy and silly performance alongside his wonderfully talented band makes his performance a wonderful hour of music and abstract comedy.
Beginning his show with a popular song from Cats, I realised then and there that this might not be the standup comedy I have gotten myself used to over the Fringe. Through a lot of self-depreciation, jabs at some fellow fringe performers and the UKs government alongside some improv rap that’s the wide variety and random energy this show contained. The show didn’t have any slow moments and the audience looked on in complete shock and wonder at some of the stories and random subject changes throughout. Ellis has a wonderful energy and he keeps it up throughout keeping the audience on their toes to what might happen next.
His singing might be quite outdone by his wonderfully powerful band guitarist and singer however his band wonderfully compliments his set and helps to keep the audience engaged in the performance. At points it’s so crazy that the band is needed in order to break the tension. With some absolute bangers from Elton John to Oasis the music and band was a clever and interesting way to help keep his show together as there was very little call backs and none of the jokes really linked. There were some moments that seemed a little too much craziness but for the majority Ellis hits the nail on the head.
A silly hour of laughs and comedy which may be crazy but also lots of fun. A delightful way to start a Fringe day.
Phil Ellis’s Excellent Comedy Show
Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive) – Hive 2
Aug 23-27
12:30
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/phil-ellis-s-excellent-comedy-show
