01 February 2012 (Comedy Profile)

Words: Robin Murray

Just like everyone else who ever made an appearance on the TV masterpiece, Michael Redmond's career has been defined by his brief stint on Father Ted. Although he only featured in one episode of the Channel 4 series, Father Stone was unforgettable, thanks to Redmond's pitch-perfect performance.

Now, for the first time in years, the man with the most mournful moustache in comedy will perform in Ireland with his latest live show, Michael Redmond: A Conversation with Father Stone.

Who could ever forget the ill-fated Father Stone? Well-meaning though dry as s***e, Stone managed to be endearingly dull - after all, who could resist those cheerless basset hound eyes!

Probably best remembered as the priest who got struck by lightning and lived to tell the tale, it's ironic as Michael has someting of the look of a lightning strike victim. With his shock of white hair, droopy black moustache and a face that the phrase 'hangdog expression' was invented for, he was born to perform deadpan comedy!

Since appearing on Father Ted, Blackrock native Redmond has gone on to forge a successful career in stand-up in the UK. He has performed several solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, including Eamon, Older Brother of Jesus which has been commissioned for a slot on Comedy Showcases on Channel 4.

Along with this, he has appeared in numerous TV shows including Comedy Nation (BBC2), The Stand-Up Show (BBC1) and Just for Laughs (Ch4), as well as playing yet another priest in the Channel 4, cult-classic mockumentary, Brasseye.

However, TV work is only a small part of what he does because for the most part Redmond is a touring stand-up; he is the resident host of a Sunday night show (Michael Redmond's Sunday Service) in The Stand in Glasgow and he's performed all over Scotland, most notably in front of a sold-out crowd in the 2,500-seat Edinburgh Festival Theatre.

Given his funereal physiognomy, it's unsurprising that Redmond specialises in deadpan humour. And while it may appear that deadpan is easier than other styles of comedy, purely because those who practice it do and say less than other comedians, it is actually quite difficult: whereas other comedians can get loud and/or physical for laughs, a deadpan comic can't ramp up the energy when things fall flat.

Deadpan comedy requires skill but, fortunately, Redmond is a master of his craft; his excellent timing and well-honed material ensure the laughs come thick and fast.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to see an Irish comedy legend play on home soil.

(Redmond is joined on his tour by Belfast comic Paddy McDonnell who will be his resident support act, while Tyrone's Ruairí Woods will MC each night).

Michael Redmond plays The Black Box, Belfast on the 4th of April (support Seán Hegarty), The Playhouse Theatre, Portrush (with Morgan Hearst) and Whelan's, Dublin (with Niamh Marron).

Show starts at 8pm. Tickets cost €14.50 and can be purchased here! (Whelan's only)

 

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