Phil Ellis: Bath Mat Review – Celebrating Midlife Failures in Glasgow
Comedian Phil Ellis presents his new stand-up show, 'Bath Mat,' at The Stand Comedy Club in Glasgow. Known for his role on the TV show Taskmaster, Ellis embraces a self-deprecating persona, highlighting his midlife struggles as a 44-year-old who has moved back in with his parents. The performance features a unique opening act where comedian Tom Short acts as a hype-man, ironically listing Ellis's failures with sound effects. The review describes the show as a raucous, interactive experience rather than a tightly structured comedy set. Ellis engages the audience directly, inviting abuse and conducting straw polls on banal topics like roadkill and bath mats. While the critic notes the material is more attenuated and less precise than Ellis's previous Edinburgh Fringe work, the show succeeds through its chaotic, 'all-in-it-together' atmosphere. Highlights include childhood photos, stories of bad gigs, and anecdotes about his family. Ultimately, the performance celebrates ramshackle humor and finding comedy in personal 'crapness,' appealing to fans of his unpolished, tomfoolish style.
Wire timeline
Phil Ellis: Bath Mat Review – Celebrating Midlife Failures in Glasgow
Comedian Phil Ellis presents his new stand-up show, 'Bath Mat,' at The Stand Comedy Club in Glasgow. Known for his role on the TV show Taskmaster, Ellis embraces a self-deprecating persona, highlighting his midlife struggles as a 44-year-old who has moved back in with his parents. The performance features a unique opening act where comedian Tom Short acts as a hype-man, ironically listing Ellis's failures with sound effects. The review describes the show as a raucous, interactive experience rather than a tightly structured comedy set. Ellis engages the audience directly, inviting abuse and conducting straw polls on banal topics like roadkill and bath mats. While the critic notes the material is more attenuated and less precise than Ellis's previous Edinburgh Fringe work, the show succeeds through its chaotic, 'all-in-it-together' atmosphere. Highlights include childhood photos, stories of bad gigs, and anecdotes about his family. Ultimately, the performance celebrates ramshackle humor and finding comedy in personal 'crapness,' appealing to fans of his unpolished, tomfoolish style.
The Guardian