one4review | On 28, Aug 2026

It’s a bold start to the show to slag off the nationally beloved money-saving expert Martin Lewis, but as Rhys James later reflects in a later slagging off of so-called edgy comics: “Maybe I am an edgy comedian”. A rivalry is quickly declared as he launches into his own money-saving tips, explaining ‘infinite money loops’ which brings a particularly incredible observation about the Turkish economy that garners a huge audience reaction. From the get-go, James delivers the laughs with efficiency.

He covers a lot of ground in an hour, including an unashamed declaration of his lower-middle-class identity and the markers of lower-middle-class culture — the primary indicator being a complete ignorance of what your dad’s job actually is. He shares his fascination about the paedo-hunter community and their methods. He even provides the answer to the all-important question: What is the millennial equivalent to the boomer housing wealth? A key feature of this hour is the subject of his adult circumcision. It’s something he emphatically states he is uncomfortable in discussing but masterfully uses for material on men’s mental health or the unsuitability of Welsh and Scottish accents for medical professionals (showing a fairly impressive knack for accents in the process).

James’s comedy is incredibly polished and sharp; there’s a seamlessness to the show and he is undoubtedly a performer who seems at ease on stage. He knows exactly how to engage the audience, but be warned: he will leave you on a cliffhanger to guarantee your return to his next show for the conclusion to some celebrity gossip. I reckon most of the audience would be returning regardless.

4 stars ****
Reviewed by Niamh
Cabaret Bar at Pleasance Courtyard
Until 30th August
20:10 – 21:10