Comedy review: Leopardoptera

James Ross (Click to enlarge)

James Ivens reviews Leopardoptera, the latest stand-up show by James Ross

"You can relax. There's no trick questions - this isn't an Atos work capability assessment." The Daily Mirror justly placed this shrewd aside in the top three gags at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.

But socialist comic James Ross has more to offer than throwaway one-liners.

He is unabashed in his Marxist politics and gabby smarts. Unlike some left-wing intellectuals on the circuit, he avoids the traps of cynicism and aloofness.

James's observational humour is generous and proudly feminist. No rape 'jokes' here - he only attacks the powerful.

In the absence of a plot, combustive energy and fierce intelligence drive Leopardoptera, his latest hour-long show. He founds a religion around an audience member. He relives the castaway psychosis of working from home. In one routine, he explains the strategic considerations of where to stand in a row of urinals.

James revels in the unconnectedness of his material, giving it the irresistible momentum of a drunk on an obstacle course.

But that’s not to say it’s sloppy. Quite the opposite. His wit sparks off in all directions, never missing an opportunity for more laughs - as befits his improv background.

If there is any drawback, it is that the audience must occasionally run to keep up. But that is a small price for an outstanding hour of warm, inclusive and detailed comedy.

Leopardoptera UK tour

Liverpool Comedy Festival, 20 September, 81 Renshaw, Renshaw Street, 4.45pm
Greater Manchester Comedy Festival, 6 November, Taurus, Canal Street, 8pm
Leicester Comedy Festival, 7 February, Looking Glass, 68-70 Braunstone Gate, 7.30pm

'Front room' and benefit gigs

James is planning a UK tour of people's front rooms, in an attempt to "get comedy out of the clubs and bring it to the people". If you and ten or 20 friends can cram into a living room, get in touch!

He is also available for benefit gig bookings. Contact [email protected]

Monthly comedy nights in London

Monthly at the Rag Factory, off Brick Lane

www.facebook.com/quantumleopard

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.