James Acaster
James Acaster is ‘One of comedy’s most original voices’ (Evening Standard). A whimsical master, he has received acclaim from around the world, including a record breaking 5 consecutive nominations for ‘Best Comedy Show’ at the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. In 2017 he toured the country with a staggering three show ‘Trelogy’, performing Recognise, Represent and Reset consecutively over three nights in each venue.
These three shows and Recap form his Netflix four part series, Repertoire. It was the first of its kind, a stand up mini series with an overarching narrative, and James is the first UK comic to shoot more than one Netflix Original special. In 2017 James released his debut book Classic Scrapes which made the Sunday Times bestseller list. James’ second book “Perfect Sound Whatever” also made the Sunday Times bestseller list in 2019.
In 2019 James completed a mammoth long tour of his hugely successful show “Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999” around the UK, Australia and America. James also has two hit podcasts “Off Menu” which he hosts with Ed Gamble, and ‘Perfect Sounds’ both of which are regulars on the iTunes top 10 List.
James Acaster – Comedian
Early Career: Transition to Comedy
In 2008, James Acaster made a pivotal decision to shift from music to comedy after facing setbacks in his band. He believed that the music industry lacked certainty despite hard work. Embracing stand-up, Acaster began performing at open mic nights, marking the start of his comedic journey. To support himself, he worked as a teaching assistant at a South London secondary school for autistic students.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival: Rising Comedy Star
Acaster’s breakthrough came at the 2009 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where despite initial struggles, he showcased his talent alongside fellow comedians Nick Helm and Josh Widdicombe. His subsequent performances at the festival earned him five consecutive nominations for the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award from 2012 to 2016.
Repertoire: Crafting a Comedy Trilogy
From 2014 to 2017, Acaster presented a trilogy of Edinburgh shows—Recognise, Represent, and Reset—each delving into a fictional narrative themed around the law. This trilogy, later joined by Recap, showcased Acaster’s versatility and comedic brilliance, earning him widespread acclaim and nominations for various comedy awards.
Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999: A Personal Exploration
In his stand-up special, Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999, Acaster delved into personal themes, including his struggles with mental health and failed relationships. This introspective performance resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning him accolades and further establishing his reputation as a comedic force to be reckoned with.
Hecklers Welcome: Embracing Audience Interaction
In 2022, Acaster embarked on the Hecklers Welcome tour, a bold move to engage with audiences in a new way. Addressing his fears of heckling, he welcomed audience participation, adding a dynamic element to his performances. This tour showcased Acaster’s adaptability and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional stand-up comedy.
James Acaster’s journey from a struggling musician to a celebrated comedian is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and unique comedic voice. With each performance, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of the most brilliant comedic talents of his generation.
