Phil Ellis
Biography
Phil Ellis is an award-winning comedian known for blending playful physicality with sharply skewed observational comedy, creating shows that appeal across generations while remaining distinctly off-beat.
He first made a major impact at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Funz and Gamez, an anarchic, high-energy show that became an unexpected cult hit. The production earned the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award Panel Prize and went on to receive widespread critical praise. Its success led to a broadcast on BBC Radio 4’s Fresh from the Fest and inclusion in BBC Comedy Feeds on BBC Three.
Following Edinburgh, the show enjoyed an extended life with an 18-date run at Soho Theatre, appearances at leading comedy festivals, and a further run at Udderbelly on London’s Southbank.
Phil continued this momentum with subsequent Edinburgh shows, including Phil Ellis is Alone Together (But Mostly Alone) in 2016 and Phil Ellis Has Been On Ice in 2017, both of which reinforced his reputation as a distinctive and inventive live performer.
Credits
Phil has appeared across a wide range of television and radio, including Taskmaster, The Russell Howard Hour, and Drunk History: UK. He also contributed as a writer and performer on BBC Three’s The Tapeface Tapes. In addition, he co-wrote and starred in three comedy shorts titled Phil’s Ill for Dave, which achieved “Pick of the Day” recognition from several major national publications.
Reviews
“Ellis keeps the pace relentless, darting through the room with playful ease and filling the space with infectious, good-natured fun.”— Chortle
“A sharply intelligent performer with a strong grasp of comedy’s mechanics.” ★★★★— The List
“A huge underground success.” ★★★★★— The Scotsman
“Smarter — and sillier — than it first appears.” ★★★★— Chortle
