James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome

Really disappointed. We love James Acaster and have really enjoyed his earlier stuff. This was unfortunately unwatchable though and we really tried to persevere but had to turn off 15 minutes in.

Incredibly low effort jokes (if you could call them that) and poorly delivered. It felt lazily done and like the passion had gone.

Really surprised at how low quality this was compared to his previous work. It was awkward to watch the live audience force a chuckle. Hopefully he finds his spark again in future work but for now would recommend any Acaster fans avoid this train wreck of a performance. Really, really bad! :(

James Acaster in my opinion is one of the UK's most unique, underrated and one of the wittiest comedians of the 2000s.

However this special... is possibly one of the worst stand up specials EVER to the point I think I laughed once compared to the "belly laughter" normally provided by James. I watched it twice as I could see front row audience laughing but on second watch noted this was recorded over 2 days. And it was quite clear the second audience were arms folded, straight faced. Where as the main one used were laughing just for the sake of their love for Acaster.

The other issue with this is you come with an expectation/hope based on his 'house rules' that it will be amusing from the audience interaction. However this is very minimal and have to wonder how much was cut out especially in the choppy bits of editing.

Like another reviewer said (but should have give it 10). If this is your first experience with James, watch his other shows.

But unfortunately this show sinks just like the great ship did when it left the dock so fabulously as James also enters so....

I love James Acaster I think he is brilliant. His recalls to his past special on netflix (Repetoir) was brilliant and hit. I thought his jokes were funny and so bizarre which perfectly encapsulates James. The problem I had is that I felt I had to have been there. Whenever crowd work happened it felt like it was a joke I wasn't in on - the perfect analogy is when your friends are laughing about something and tell you that you had to have been there, so you kind of laugh along and kind of get it. Though I say this his crowd work is tremendous and he seems a lot happier and enjoying comedy more than he has. I think he's honest and understands that what he says can influence people - this shows as he uses his voice for good. Personally if you are a fan of James you'll love this.

Easily the worst stand up I've ever seen.

Had to turn it off.

How can someone who's very funny on a panel show be so bad at delivering a stand up show.

Absolute disaster, and ever funnier that he is berating other comedians when this is all he has to deliver, and also gives a nod to Nish Kumar as someone who go he thinks is funny is just comical for all the wrong reasons.

I would spend me time doing anything to else than watching this.

Despite being hilarious on panel shows, seems Acaster is just the comedy version of the chubby bloke from the Kaiser Chiefs. Some middle of the road nonsense man.

Heckler's Welcome provides a glimpse into one of James Acaster's greatest stand up tours, showcasing some of his strongest material and showing that he's grown as a comedian and celebrity.

For any budding comedian, Heckler's welcome is perhaps a masterclass of how to talk about real feelings (some of which aren't innately hilarious) without brining the vibe down.

My main criticism of Hecklers Welcome is the same thing that made the live show great. Hecklers Welcome is a more interactive experience than most stand up shows, the show gave an opportunity to get involved, and literally have a say in how the show plays out, and be part of the joke. Watching the prerecorded show places the viewer on the outside looking in, we're not part of the joke anymore so the thing that was so joyous about the show is now missing. It somewhat reminded me of sleep paralysis, being so eager to speak or be involved but being held down by an invisible barrier.

While this criticism may seem damning, the show is still among the best James Acaster content out there and was a very enjoyable watch.