EDINBURGH 2016: BWW Q&A - Phil Ellis

BWW speaks to Phil Ellis about his 2016 Edinburgh Fringe show Phil Ellis Is Alone Together (But Mostly Alone).

What can you tell us about Phil Ellis Is Alone Together (But Mostly Alone)?

I realised that every show I'd ever done, was largely inspired by the breakdown of my marriage. It was only eight years ago, so obviously it's still pretty fresh in my mind. I thought it would be good to finally draw a line under it by doing a show about how I coped without my ex-wife and discuss the events that finally helped me to move on and be happy with my own company. However, annoyingly she came back to me about three weeks ago, so it's really messed up the entire show. I mean, don't get me wrong I'm glad that she came back, but I wish she'd waited a couple more months until after Edinburgh. The show is now about how her return has completely changed my life, but still has a lot about how I filled my time over the past eight years.

What inspired the show?

Loneliness and my resentment toward happy couples and anyone called Leanne.

After winning a Foster's Award for Funz and Gamez - are you feeling the pressure?

I never feel pressure. Being a functioning alcoholic takes away that issue. Sometimes I forget I even won the award, which is an easy thing to do if you look at my output on television over the past two years.

Who would you recommend the show to?

Single women between the age of 25-30, who own property and don't have any physical or mental baggage.

Are there any other acts you're hoping to catch at the festival?

I would normally say no because I don't want to give them any free publicity, but there are actually loads of great shows up this year. I won't attend any of course. I'll be drinking in one of the VIP bars trying to remind the TV producers that I was hot property two years ago before the housing market crashed (this is a clumsy metaphor... Or is it an analogy? God I need a drink). Anyway, I'll be hoping to catch the other funz and gamez guys who are doing solo solo this year (James Meehan, Will Duggan and Mat Ewins). I'd also love to see Spencer Jones's new show, Fin Taylor, Pat Cahill, Michael J Dolan and of course Keith Chegwin. I'm the only person that he hasn't stolen a joke from, probably due to the fact that I've never managed to write one.

Timings and ticket information for Phil Ellis is Alone Together (But Mostly Alone) are available on the edfringe website.