Comedy In Solitary: We Interrogate Roger O’Sullivan + Special Performance

Roger O'Sullivan is not a fan of the word ‘scene'. As he points out, it often signals unpleasantness. "Crime scene,” he says. “Stop making a scene.”

Even the subtraction of a little ‘c’ and a slight juggling of ‘e’s doesn’t seem make a difference.

"Message seen," he intones, “Why don't you reply? I just want my Pink Floyd records back."

Roger O'Sullivan had moved to London in late January, just a night after winning Comedy Cavern's prestigious Comedian of the Year accolade. Suddenly, the world seemed ripe with possibilities.

The Corkman's London dreams collapsed in a heap, however, when the coronavirus emerged. But he is marooned there, and for now at least, O'Sullivan is feeling the strain of uncertainty. Nonetheless, he has found ways to distract himself, as he tells Hot Press.

Ladies and gentlemen: Roger O'Sullivan!

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How do you spend your days during lockdown?

I started a stream on Twitch (a video live streaming service) with my comedian housemate Denis Len. It's called Streaming in the Years. Each night we watch classic TV shows and make jokes about them.

So what do you miss the most about the outside world?

I miss walking through the woods.

Is there anything you took for granted in a way that you now regret?

Flying home to visit my parents. I've been living in London since January, and I never thought about it being an ordeal to fly back to Cork. But currently, I don't know when I'll be able to go back again.

Do you think live comedy is going to change once the pandemic is over?

I think the comedy scene will buckle under the weight of crap lockdown jokes which will inevitably flood the market once the gigs start up again. I also think way more comedians are going to move toward live streams.