Comedy In Solitary: We Interrogate Laura O’Mahony + Special Performance

A poetry book from her childhood and a stage: Laura O’Mahony doesn’t need much to make you laugh. A larger-than-life raconteur and one-third of a comedy production troupe called CCCahoots, O’Mahony’s humour is charged with vibrant energy.

When she’s not gigging, she's acting on television, and when she's not acting, she is making funny storybook impressions for her children. O’Mahony was scheduled to gig at the Everyman Theatre in Cork, in March. Her show was called The People’s Princess. The coronavirus pandemic annulled her plans, but she is undeterred. The people’s princess is staying home, she tells Hot Press. Staying home – and laughing…

Speaking as a comic, did your life change after the lockdown?

I suppose my life has gone online in terms of being a comedian, but all of my artistic endeavours are happening on Instagram now. On the positive side, I'm spending more time with my kids which is lovely. But you have to just get more creative.

Meaning exactly what?

So, on Instagram, I'm trying to do like one-woman versions of musicals. I'm doing a soap called Covid Nation Street that is one every Monday and Friday. You just have to innovate, and I see it as my job as a comedian to bring joy to the world, particularly during these strange times.

How do you spend your days?

We do a lot of arts and crafts with my children. We’re getting very creative, making all sorts of amazing play-dough and glitter. Our days seem to have a very good structure about them.

What do you miss the most about what might now be termed ‘the outside world’?

I miss my parents a lot. And things like going to Mahon Point [in Cork city]. We used to go to the market on a Thursday, we don't get to do that. And seeing people. Two of my friends just had babies, and it is sad that I couldn't be there to support them. I miss gigging. I don't think I'll ever complain about having to do a gig again (laughs).

Is there anything you regret that you had taken for granted?

Just the freedom of movement. I'd go and collect my daughter from school, and we'd go to Mahon Point. And I would be on the phone complaining about all the coming and going to my friends. Now I'm like, ‘what was I complaining about?' Life is all about those comings and goings.

Do you think live comedy will be different after the pandemic?

I think people’s mindset has gone very dark at the moment, so I hope that the rescheduled gigs would be about laughing and the celebration of life. I think there is going to be more joy. I would hope so, anyway.

•.You can also see Laura O’Mahony at @lauralolslots