Shay Mace
Irish comedian Gearóid Farrelly arrives at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe next month with his candid comedy hour No Pressure, looking into life’s absurdities, the struggle of self-care, and the freedom of embracing imperfection, following hospital stays, a sick cat, and a nerve-wracking stint on Dancing with the Stars, we caught up with Gearóid for a pixelated pint to talk dancing, representation, and embracing being imperfect.
You can catch Gearóid Farrelly: No Pressure at Studio Five at Assembly George Square Studios on August 5th – 31st (not the 18th) from 19:20 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Shay: Hi Gearóid! You’re bringing a stand-up hour to EdFringe that reflects on life’s absurdities, the struggle of self-care, and the freedom of embracing imperfection – what made you want to explore those themes and how have you found the funny within them?
Gearóid: I did Dancing with the Stars in Ireland and I am not by any stretch of the imagination a dancer. But I did it because they said I could dance with a man which I thought would be good representation. But then you have to do it. It was terrifying but really rewarding. But you do have to get used to looking at a very clumsy embarrassing version of yourself. It was very much a case of getting used to being incredibly imperfect very very quickly! I dance like a frustrated penguin.
Shay: Tell us about your process for putting together this hour – what do you do to get yourself motivated and what challenges have you found with this material?
Gearóid: Writing a new show is my favourite part of being a comedian. I clear a wall in my office and start putting up post it notes. For me there is no substitute in writing for “arse in chair”. My one goal is for the material to be funny so I usually build 20 minute chunks and road test them in the clubs in Ireland. Those are the most exciting gigs. Tour shows are fun but the adrenaline of getting a new bit working is just the biggest rush for me. Then when I’m happy the bits work I take them a part and try to build a show which is very frustrating because that’s when you have to find the start and then end.
Shay: Tell us about your comedy icons – who are they, and how have they influenced your work?
Gearóid: I always loved French and Saunders and Gimme Gimme Gimme and the Golden Girls. I could watch them over and over. Also Victoria Wood was just unmatched. What they all have in common is a high gag rate. The point of comedy is for the audience to forget their troubles and laugh a lot and if they don’t you’ve failed as a comic. If I make some interesting points or say something thought provoking that is absolutely secondary for me. It’s about the paying audience really laughing a lot and enjoying their night.
Shay: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Gearóid: Pre-show for me is usually a Berocca and either some pop bangers or a quick nap. Depending on the day. Before I go on I brush my teeth and check my flies are closed and shoe laces are tied about 20 times.
Shay: What do you do when you’re faced with writer’s block?
Gearóid: I do something else. I don’t like to force it. I have always found it’s a lot easier to write if you don’t realise you’re doing it. So cleaning the kitchen without music or tv on with a notepad on the counter and suddenly your brain fires up again. I love writing comedy so it’s usually not a block it’s just distraction.
Shay: Has/will the show be performed anywhere ahead of EdFringe?
Gearóid: I’ll be doing a lot of previews around Ireland before I go to EdFringe and they are such fun shows. I especially like a tough preview. Because those are the ones where you absolutely get something new working. It can be a painful process but it’s so much fun. I love that walk home when you’re listening back and you realise what is wrong with something.
Shay: With EdFringe now just around the corner, what are you most excited for?
Gearóid: I’ve been travelling a lot for the past while so I’m looking forward to being in the one place for a month. I’m looking forward to feeling this new show get really honed. Also there are lots of pals I see at the fringe so I’m looking forward to catching up with all of them.
Shay: Given the themes of Binge Fringe, if your show was a beverage of any kind (alcoholic, non-alcoholic – be as creative as you like!), what would it be and why?
Gearóid: Oh I think it would be a Mojito. Fresh with a bit of a kick. I sometimes like to describe my type of comedy as bitter candyfloss so I think a mojito is a good representation of that!
A reminder, you can catch Gearóid Farrelly: No Pressure at Studio Five at Assembly George Square Studios on August 5th – 31st (not the 18th) from 19:20 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Image Credit: Paul Canning
Salvador Kent
