Review by Paul Fleckney

James Ross describes himself as a ‘not instantly relatable’ as a comic. You can see what he’s getting at: with a style somewhere in the region of Victorian ringmaster, he’s the sort of person children stare at on buses. But while Ross revels in his outsider status, his show – Leopardoptera – has got a ‘something for everyone’ quality about it. Yes, it’s a bitty show, hopping from one unrelated part to the other (it doesn’t especially feel like we get anywhere over the course of this 60 minutes), but take it as a showreel for Ross’s talents, and it becomes a raucous and surprising hour of comedy.

As it’s presented as a kind of one-man showcase, it’s hard not to take it as one. Ross demonstrates in his hammed-up thespian’s voice that he’s a charismatic host, an engaging storyteller, the writer of a few gratifying one-liners, and has some handy alternative stand-uppy routines that could serve as ten-minute spots in clubs (if the bookers were feeling bold). His experience on the circuit as an improviser is in evidence, too, with his snappy audience work and his ability to crank up the energy from a standing start.

For me the highlights were his story of being in a relationship with a woman from a wealthy family – which takes a pleasingly fiendish Roald Dahl-esque turn – and those alternative stand-uppy routines, especially his explanation of men’s toilet etiquette using chess moves. It’s an original idea, expertly executed.

I didn’t find it the most relaxing hour of comedy, though. Ross seems overly anxious – not just anxious to please, but also to position himself as a not-your-average comic, and to present himself as a left-wing intellectual.

It’s as if our enjoying the show isn’t enough, we have to enjoy it on his terms, too. Like when he explains on a few occasions that ‘at this point, most comics would do XYZ’ – I don’t think anyone’s under any illusions that they’re watching a hack club comic.

Similarly, Ross’s decibel level and intensity, while impressive when sustained over an hour, could both come down a notch to give us a little room to breathe. Operating at that Brian Blessed level isn’t necessary for such a tiny room, nor does his material doesn’t need the leg up.

In other words, Ross has talent, but both he and the audience would benefit if he wore it more lightly.

Review date: 10 Aug 2015
Reviewed by: Paul Fleckney
Reviewed at: PBH's Free Fringe @ Globe Bar