Seeing a 41-year-old balding man prancing around The Hive basement in a skin-tight morphsuit and cat ears to ‘Jellicle Cats’ is a conceivable sight during August in Edinburgh. But when the man in question is stand-up Phil Ellis, a few double takes may be required.

Clearly inspired by the variety of comedy shows on offer at this year’s Fringe, Phil Ellis’ Excellent Comedy Show is the seasoned comic’s attempt to pack as many of them into one hour as he physically can. Yes, he may be poking fun (most cuttingly at posh TikTok creators and improv rappers), but his interpretation of their work avoids being resentful as he amps up the silly to new heights. In a surprising musical component, Ellis is joined by a drummer and guitarist who help him burst into spontaneous song. This recurring bit only gets funnier, delivered with the tragic pzazz of an am-dram reject on a home karaoke machine.

Gimmicks aside, Ellis packs some killer stand-up into an otherwise very physical hour. Despite a few recycled lines from last year and bits that didn’t quite land with this particular room, Phil Ellis is undoubtedly back on top form. Maybe it has something to do with all the dancing?

Phil Ellis’ Excellent Comedy Show, Monkey Barrel The Hive, until 27 August, 12.30pm.