THE IRISHMAN'S SHAMBOLIC, VINO-LOVING PERSONA IS A HUGE PART OF HIS APPEAL
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While other comedians may struggle to raise a smile in the face of an economic downturn, Dylan Moran's credentials are in rude health, finds Jay Richardson
espite the current economic doom and gloom. or more likely because of it. live comedy is booming. with a host of big names currently touring the UK. And while luminaries like the Mighty Boosh. Sarah Silverman. Steve (‘oogan and Lee livans have recently attracted flak and critical opprobrium for not meeting the standards promised by their star billing. one man sure to deliver is Dylan Moran. Topical as ever. the Irish rib tickler has found reason to be cheerful in a time of economic decline. Appearing in Scotland recently. the lidinburgh—
based comedian provided an intelligent blueprint for
economising and downsizing by suggesting we eat our more annoying co-workers. His new show. What It Is. seeks to verbalise the contemporary frustrations and confusions of his audience and is earning solid notices. with crowds won over again by the irascible former Perrier Award-winner. just back from promoting the film A Film Will: Me In It in Ireland.
Set for a UK release in January. the low-budget production stars Moran as a writer. Much like his own. thus far fruitless efforts to commence writing his much—anticipated debut novel. his character is struggling to finish a script for his actor neighbour. played by comedian—thespian Mark l)oherty. who. rather littingly. penned A Film 's script to star Moran and himself. Without revealing too much of this comedy-thriller-cum buddy movie/horror/rt)mance‘s plot. it features l)oherty's brother. this year's
if.comed_v winner David ()‘Doherty as a quadriplegic with a brain injury that sees him acquiring a truly memorable haircut. while also exploiting Moran‘s reputation for possessing a heroic. unshakeable thirst for alcohol.
As with his role as misanthropic bookseller Bernard Black in the Bafta-winning Channel 4 sitcom Black Books. you suspect this seldom placed a burden upon the 3(7-year-old‘s acting skills. But then the lrishman‘s shambolic. vino-loving persona has always been a huge part of his appeal. The comic and author ()liver Double maintains that during his whole career of running stand-up gigs. no other comedian attracted as much swooning female interest as the unkempt man frotn Navan.
Certainly. it‘s his natural charm and unchecked lyrical lluency that allows Moran to pull off one of his current standout routines. which opens as a plea for international tolerance but quickly turns into a continent-wide rant at the various inhabitants of liurope. one that could emanate from Nick Griffin. were it not for the ridiculously inflated insouciance with which Moran pours forth his insults. lilsewhere. his account of trying yoga for the lirst time is predictably entertaining. while his more philosophical. if scarcely softer side does emerge in the tale of his young daughter‘s reaction to finding him slumbering stark naked. pathetically in her bed.
Dylan Moran plays the Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 4 Nov.
Keith Farnan In the summer, he made his Fringe debut with a show about the US penal system entitled Cruel and Unusual. As winter dawns, perhaps this Izzardian Irishman will lighten up a bit or maybe he‘ll keep giving us more of his conscience- nudging comedy. Pray that it’s the latter. Jong/eurs, Glasgow, Fri37 Oct & Sat 7 Nov.
Tina C The rhinestone cowgirl moseys into town with a show that might well mention some election or other that's going down in another part of the globe. See 5 Things, page 40. Oran Mor, Glasgow, Sun 2 Nov.
Simon Day Since The Fast Show raced off into the ether around the turn of the century, its members have gone off to do various media- related projects. The chap behind Tommy Cockles, Billy Bleach and Competitive Dad is bringing his own career full circle by taking to the nation's stand-up stages once again. See preview, page 40. The Stand, Edinburgh, Sun 2 Nov; The Stand, Glasgow, Mon 3 Nov.
Dylan Moran The laconic Edinburgh-based Irish jester takes time out from earning a sheer packet doing films and telly to do the thing that dragged him into our hearts in the first place. Doing stand- up, that's what. See feature. left. Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow. Tue 4 Nov.
lmprobabble A great venue to let the juices flow as the improv crew. headed up by Billy Bonkers and including the likes of Obie and Peter Aitchison, runs rampant with suggestions from you. the crowd. The Liquid Ship, Glasgow, Sun 9 Nov.
30 Oct—13 Nov 2008 THE LIST 39