SOUTHAMPTON COMEDY NIGHTS
James Ellis
Before making people laugh for a living, James Ellis spent over a decade working as a plumber. These days, he's putting that experience of everyday life to much funnier use, with brilliantly constructed jokes, sharp observations and a knack for finding punchlines in the most unlikely places.
Winner of Best Debut Show at the 2026 Leicester Comedy Festival and a former South Coast Comedian of the Year, James has appeared on BBC One's BBC New Comedy Award and BBC Radio 4's Live from the UK.
He's also supported some of the biggest names in British comedy, including Micky Flanagan, Angela Barnes and Zoe Lyons
“A talented comedy craftsman” – Steve Bennett, Chortle
“James Ellis is a triple threat, he’s really very bloody funny, has a great stage presence and has the best hair in the business” – Angela Barnes
“A frightening amount of brilliant punchlines, delivered by a genuinely funny guy. I was laughing the whole time James was on and so was everyone else. Top stuff” – Paul McCaffrey
“Wonderful, wonderful jokes. James has a relaxed confidence, his set is well themed and thought out and most important of all: the gags are just funny. Really funny.” – Laura Lexx
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About Stand Up in the Basement
Stand Up in the Basement brings some of the best comedians from the UK comedy circuit to Southampton, with regular live comedy nights at Papillon in the city centre.
Our line-ups mix established names, award-winning comedians and some of the funniest acts making their way up through the circuit. You might recognise them from TV, podcasts, Edinburgh Fringe or comedy clubs around the country, or you might discover someone completely new.
The night started life in an actual basement, hence the name, but these days we’re above ground in a beautiful old vestry, while keeping the same idea: brilliant stand-up, a great atmosphere and a proper night out in Southampton.