James McNicholas

James is an actor and writer whose one-man comedy/theatre show, THE BOXER, had a sell-out run in Edinburgh and several sell-out runs in London. The Guardian listed it as one of the ‘Top 10 Comedy Shows of 2019’. - “A heavyweight hour of stand-up and storytelling” ★★★★ The Guardian

James appeared in a recurring role in TED LASSO for Apple and appeared in THE CRITIC, directed by Patrick Marber.  Other credits over the last 18 months include POLITE SOCIETY for Working Title, THE GREAT, PRETTY RED DRESS and THE SCEPTRED ISLE for Sky Atlantic.

James was in the West End production of THE UNDERSTUDY, an adaptation of the best-selling book by David Nicholls, joining a star-studded cast including Stephen Fry and James Norton. He also starred in two episodes of THE EMILY ATACK SHOW for ITV and joined the cast of BBC Radio 4’s SKETCHTOPIA. Other acting credits include THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD for Sky One, MUZLAMIC for BBC Three and a recurring role in THE PIN for BBC Radio 4.

James is currently adapting his book THE CHAMP & THE CHUMP, for the big screen with a major British production company. The book won the 2022 The Sunday Times’ Sports Entertainment Book of the year award.  

Since 2019, James has been a writer for and performer in CBBC’s hit HORRIBLE HISTORIES, which has won and been nominated for numerous BAFTA Children’s awards, including Best Writing and Best Comedy.

He has recently written numerous episodes of THE HEROIC QUEST OF PRINCE IVANDOE for Cartoon Network and OFF THEIR ROCKERS for ITV. He is a staff writer for The Athletic, generally focussing on Arsenal. He has written for ESPN, Bleacher Report and FourFourTwo Magazine, and is the co-host of the Arsecast Extra Podcast.

In 2024, James was in the 2024 film THE BEAUTIFUL GAME as Depot Manager.

Further praise for THE BOXER:

“A magnificent mix of stand-up, theatre and memoir which packs a powerful punch” ★★★★★ iTalkTelly
“Compelling and poignant” ★★★★ The Scotsman
"A knockout" ★★★★ Beyond The Joke
"Beautiful and uplifting" ★★★★ One 4 Review