How did you first get into stand-up comedy?
During my college days, I had the opportunity to do work experience at a radio station. One of the prominent comedians in Ireland, Bernard O’Shea, was the breakfast DJ there. He noticed my knack for humor in the office and suggested that I give stand-up a shot. Initially, I brushed off the idea, but then he surprised me by booking a gig as an MC. I had a mere two weeks to prepare. The most valuable advice he gave me was to craft a five-minute set, open with my strongest joke, end with the second strongest, and sandwich any doubtful material in between. I mostly talked about humorous anecdotes involving my grandmother. That first rush of adrenaline on stage hooked me, and I’ve been chasing it ever since.
Who were your early inspirations in the comedy world?
I distinctly remember watching Ava Vidal on television and being thoroughly entertained by her. When I entered college, a fellow classmate who was also into stand-up created a comedy mixtape for me. It featured the likes of Chris Rock and Maria Bamford, whose performances left a lasting impact on me. In fact, Bamford’s act was nothing short of a revelation.
Can you recall a gig that went so poorly it became comical?
I once had a gig on a secluded island off the coast of Ireland. It entailed a four-hour boat journey just to reach the venue. To my dismay, there were only eight people in the audience, half of whom were teenagers. Instead of laughter, I overheard someone muttering “Jesus Christ”. It took me a painstaking 20 minutes to get through my hour-long set. Overwhelmed with disappointment, I ran off stage and burst into tears. The venue owner approached me and insisted that I complete the full hour since he had already paid for it. To make matters worse, my mother had decided to surprise me by attending, and I ended up embarrassing myself in front of her. Imagine your deepest, darkest secret being witnessed by your own mother, questioning every life choice you’ve made.
And a gig that was so amazing, it forever stays with you?
The first night of my most recent tour, titled “Wet,” took place at the Monkey Barrel in Edinburgh. The show was originally planned for 55 minutes, but I ended up performing for an hour and 20 minutes due to the sheer number of laughs I received. I didn’t change a single line of my material; the audience’s response was exceptional. It’s almost embarrassing to admit, but I had an incredible time on that stage, feeling completely in sync with the flow of my performance. It’s challenging to articulate the aspects of stand-up comedy that I enjoy without sounding like a pretentious enthusiast discussing the mystical qualities of a shaman.
What’s the most memorable heckle you’ve encountered?
Due to my penchant for wearing vibrant attire, I’ve always been susceptible to hecklers. However, what made stand-up appealing to me from the beginning was the unwavering sense of authority and security it provided on stage. Being under those spotlights felt like being at home. I once received a valuable piece of advice: whenever someone heckles you, remember that the audience is always on your side. They want to see how you handle the situation. It’s not a battle between equals; you have the upper hand.
What is your upcoming show, “Soup,” all about?
Recently, I was diagnosed with CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) – a mix of PTSD with an added “C” which I like to think stands for “Cool,” because only the coolest ones get it. This show explores how stand-up comedy can serve as a means of dealing with trauma and how the rising cost of living affects mental health. There’s nothing worse than struggling with mental illness while also battling poverty. However, I assure you, the show is funny! They say some comedians use stand-up as therapy, and I definitely did for a while. Now, I’m approaching comedy from a fresh perspective after seeking therapy myself. Oh, and by the way, the show also touches on soup – it’s not all heavy stuff.
What, in your opinion, makes a good soup?
The beauty of soup lies in its immense variety – every country has its own national soup. If you’re preparing soup at home, it’s crucial to cook each ingredient to perfection. Simply blending everything together might seem tempting, but it’s noticeable in the final taste. Flavour is everything. Remember to season at every stage of the cooking process!
What’s the best advice you’d like to share with others?
I believe it’s far more fulfilling to feel genuinely happy for someone’s success rather than being consumed by jealousy. Jealousy requires a great deal of energy, whereas happiness for others is liberating. I must admit, I have a bit of a belief in fairies. In Ireland, there are these places known as “fairy forts,” believed to be the entry and exit points for fairies traversing into the human world. Although I don’t fully believe in it, there’s a part of me that does. It’s not karma, but when you can genuinely celebrate someone’s achievements, it ultimately brings you greater joy in your own personal growth.
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