one4review | On 13, Aug 2025

Phil Ellis has been bringing his show, and his own brand of northern banter, club comedian trade mark style to the Fringe every year since 2013. He has received nowhere like the level of recognition he deserves.

He may finally be on the verge of breaking through as he is about to take part in the 20th series of Taskmaster. Ah some telly! About time.

An older larger Phil Ellis arrives on stage to stand in for Phil until the “real” one takes over. This is a funny impactful start to the show and sets the visual comedy tone. Phil is a naturally engaging character and personality. The lines and the delivery just flow and you’d almost think he was making it up as he goes along! We are shown slides of various family members through the years alongside a young Phil. There may have been some unconventional parenting style and we have another reference to Larkin’s Soppy Stern.

The loose theme of the show is Phil’s family. Hailing from a working class loving family in Preston, Lancashire.

The title of the show is Soppy Stern. The thinking behind taking the title, from one of Philip Larkin’s most renowned poems, is as that it will surely result in a favourable review in the Guardian! It adds a touch of culture. Culture is something that the Guardian has previously accused Phil of lacking.

Culture aside, Phil Ellis is an accomplished stand up and with his unique style is so likeable, engaging and infectious. The venue is packed this lunchtime and many in the audience react with a cheer when he asks “who has seen me before?”. He has a fan base which is about to grow and grow.

Go see this show. So entertaining and funny from start to finish.

****1/2
Reviewed by Margot
Monkey Barrel 4
Until August 24th @ 12:45