2011 Edinburgh Fringe
Elis James review
Let it not be said that Elis James isn't a polite, charming and smooth talking comedian. The talented Welshman is all these things, and it is this attitude that combines so nicely with his choice of material and delivery to create a solid, fun and entertaining hour.
I should start by saying that the venue, the Pleasance Attic, isn't the best room for comedy. With a thin room consisting of three long rows and a small bunch of seats both to his left and right, James has to address everyone fairly and as a result must move around a lot, primarily so people don't end up paying money to see the back of him.
He uses this bad, hot, loud room as an early excuse to banter with the audience. As the hour went on, occasionally he would move away from his material to chat with them again, but it was done efficiently and humorously. I think he did this partly to keep the audience alert and engaged as the heat in the venue does tend to make people restless and uncomfortable. All credit to James for keeping everyone involved and amused throughout the set.
James' style of performance is very addictive and engaging. His whimsical and enjoyable narratives about his upbringing in Wales make for light-hearted and often embarrassing moments at his expense. As the title suggests, Do You Remember the First Time? is about James recollecting the "first time" moments of his childhood. Some are very relatable, some are embarrassing, and some make you want to hug him and tell him everything will be alright. Quite a few of the anecdotes involve the ITV sports commentator Jim Rosenthal. These stories are some of the big highlights of the show and, awkwardly for James, Rosenthal's son Tom is the next act on in the Attic.
The stories are weaved so well that James manages to build vivid mental pictures in your own mind. Some comics will just tell the story; James relives it and acts it out very well to great effect.
By the end of this show you will want to give Elis James a big hug as thanks for a nice, fun-filled hour. Disclaimer: Please do not all hug Elis James. He may not like it and he has places to be.
Elis James: Do You Remember the First Time? listing