list.co.uk/festival Funz and Gamez Go Solo | FESTIVAL COMEDY
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Phil Ellis Will Duggan
‘If they hate it, I’ll whack the dog suit on at the end’
Meehan has a similar outlook: ‘I’m hoping I can make people think “oh that was good, I never thought of it that way”, which is all I really want out of the show.’ His Class Act is both an examination of social status, especially in an industry dominated by people with middle-class backgrounds, and a homage to his working-class background. ‘The show isn’t about me having a chip on my shoulder,’ Meehan is keen to stress. ‘But most working-class people think it’s not really a legitimate career. Being a comedian or an actor: that’s not “legitimate” even at an amateur level.’ But Meehan’s own family were incredibly supportive: ‘A lot of the show is celebrating
the working class, celebrating my childhood, my life growing up. There were difi cult parts, but the only reason I’m doing comedy is because I’ve got two great parents who are very supportive.’ It’s a good job that Will Duggan and James Meehan are taking a measured approach as they’ll probably have to bail Phil Ellis and his jacket out of some cell / ditch / illegal drinking den at some point during the festival.
Phil Ellis is Alone Together (But Mostly Alone), Underbelly Cowgate, 0844 545 8252, 6–28 Aug (not 15), 5.40pm, £10–£11 (£9–£10). Previews 4 & 5 Aug, £6.
James Meehan: Class Act, Just the Tonic at the Tron, 0330 220 1212, 4–28 Aug (not 15), 6.20pm, £5. Will Duggan: A Man Gathering Fish, Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 6–28 Aug (not 15), 6.45pm, £8–£9.50 (£7–£8.50). Previews 3–5 Aug, £6.
SOME FRIENDLY ADVICE
Phil’s advice to Will and James: ‘Don’t get above your station, you’ll come crawling back soon enough.’ James’ advice to Phil: ‘Although we aren’t in the same show for the fi rst time in four years, don’t forget that I’m there for you. Not emotionally or physically but because you still owe me £8.’
James’ advice to Will: ‘Remember that in the grand scheme of things none of this matters. So don’t be angry when I try and poach your audience members.’
Will’s advice to James: ‘You’re gonna be great but if you take any audience members away from my show I will break your legs.’ Will’s advice to Phil: ‘Please just write a joke Phil. Just one joke.’
4–11 Aug 2016 THE LIST FESTIVAL 45