The comedy revolution

Dublin, March 5 – One of the most common questions I get asked is, “What changes have you seen since you’ve returned to Ireland?”

You mean besides the ridiculously inflated prices, the nonexistent public transport system, the strikes, queues, tower cranes and stupid green hats all over O’Connell Street?

Not many. Even as a young boy I was told that Ireland is ten years behind in most things, and after being away for 32 years and now living back on the Auld Sod, I see things haven’t really changed.

We’ve finally got great international cuisine, all the fashions fit to wear and the shelves are stocked with all the latest trick electronic gizmos your little remote control heart dewires. But when it comes to alternative scenes such as cinema, theatre and especially comedy clubs, England, Europe and certainly the States are light years ahead of us. So where do we spend our hard earned disposable entertainment income? A random sample of 500 Dubs when polled by volunteers from TITS-C, (The Institute for Theoretical Studies-Comedy), responded that you have basically three popular choices.

The Pub, a Bar or The Local. (Notice all caps, to show respect. Thank you Godfatter!) A typical night out in Dublin: dinner and a pub, theatre and a pub or pub and a pub. But first, let’s meet at the pub. Little wonder the Irish equivalent of the Mafia, The Publicans, have so much sway in government

In light of this irrefutable scientific evidence, I must agree with the opinion put forther by my good colleague, the esteemed gentleman from Alpha Centauri, Dave McSavage (HP#27), that the venue situ in this country, on a good day, is shit.

But why is this a town internationally renowned talent seeks to avoid and domestic talent seeks to escape? Never pose a problem you don’t have a solution to.

After writing in LA, Hollywood, New York, and now Dublin, I’ve learned this is the only town where comics, as a group, predominate and consequentially are in command of their own fate! Which is why the scene sucks the big green weenie.

No agent’s unions, no organisation amongst the club owners, and no agents with a strangle hold on the scene! Duh! The only thing holding us back is the petty little jealousies many comics can’t resist harbouring, probably from watching too many episodes of Fair City and Emmerdale. In no other major city do the comics potentially wield so much power. So do they use it? Of course not. Much easier to mud-sling, ankle bite and fabricate imaginary pecking orders than cooperate and work with each other.

Brendan Burke’s at Gibney’s in Malahide, The Laughter Club and Declan Rooney and his tireless efforts to establish the pub scene are, until this Saturday night, the closest we have to a dedicated comedy scene.

Welcome The Comic Strip. Located upstairs at the IFC, with the cheapest drinks in City Centre, great food, and the cheapest admission of any club, plus concessions, quality comedy and very hip musical guests each week, it has to be your choice for a Saturday night out. And to alleviate any trepidation, there will be a dedicated upstairs bar!

Doors open at nine fifteen, admission is €10 or €8 with concession and €3 off with an IFC ticket stub from that day’s film. Advanced booking is advised and you should arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes early (not Irish time).

So if you’re a comic, get your ass on the phone and call me to book a gig. Otherwise, quit your moaning and move to England!