One wonders whether Dylan Moran ever considered that he’d still be performing comedy aged 50.
The Irishman first started performing professionally in South Wicklow Street, Dublin, in 1992 in a small club named ‘The International’ (which is still there today!) and is quietly famous for single-handily premiering almost every renowned Irish comedian of the past three decades.
Although he first performed stand-up during his formative years, alongside classmate Tommy Tiernan, Moran confesses that he left school without any qualifications, later spending several years unemployed “drinking and writing bad poetry” before actually taking the plunge for professional comedy – and we’re certainly glad that he did.
With too many accolades to mention, BAFTA Award-winner Moran is perhaps most well-known for his leading role in Channel 4’s ‘Black Books’ where he played angsty proprietor, Bernard Black. As a direct result of that, he is perhaps also well-known for his somewhat infamous ‘cameo’ in the 1999 film Notting Hill in which he attempts to steal a book from Hugh Grant’s bookstore; even though this was filmed and released prior to ‘Black Books’ and there is no correlation whatsoever.
Moran’s comedic speciality is observational comedy. Whether it’s spending a Sunday dinner with your parents or filling in your tax returns, there’s nothing upon which he’s not prepared to pass comment and, ultimately, judgement. There’s no doubt that having spent five decades alive, it’s given Moran much to observe, much to think about and much to get upset over.
What’s perhaps funniest about Moran is that he excels at the depressing: fewer comedians can deliver a routine in such a state of constant complaint and yet retain the audience in the palm of their hands, encapsulated in laughter.
Describing his own comedy like jazz, Moran will often flutter between topics, creating connections and loops in the unexpected.
Having previously been described as “Trumping Shakespeare” and “spellbinding”, this firm favourite has a real talent for entertainment. And to make sure you’re there to witness, you’ll need to purchase tickets now.
Dylan Moran heads to Tyne Theatre Opera House in Newcastle on Wednesday 25th May.
Tickets, priced at £26.00 in advance, are available at tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk.
