Dara O'Briain | In Profile

Words: Caroline Foran

Extending his stint Dublin's Vicar Street is 6'4 Wicklow man and self described 'Tony Soprano henchman lookalike' Dara O'Briain.

We're all well aware that comedy, like most popular art forms, is a very subjective thing. Having said that, I doubt there's anyone out there who has yet to be charmed by this affable and sharp-tongued comedian. As another commentator once wrote, if you’re not laughing at Dara Ó'Briain, check your pulse because you're probably dead. For me, he is the definition of tangible bonhomie. Whether performing live stand-up or hosting one of his many topical comedy TV shows, his instant likeability and friendly persona make it easy for anyone to be lifted by his smiley performance. Never condescending and not one for depressing us with the miseries of life, he very obviously enjoys his job. This, coupled with his mercurial sense of humour and happy-go-lucky disposition, places Ó'Briain firmly at the top spot for many people both in Ireland and in Britain.

Starting out as a kids' TV presenter on RTÉ back in the 90’s, Ó'Briain, now 39, has had one helluva successful career. Although still describing himself as a stand-up by trade, he's done just about everything under the comedy related sun and stacked up quite a few awards along the way. While working on the kids' TV show, Echo Island, Ó'Briain began performing on the Irish comedy circuit. Following his subsequent prominence as a team captain on Don't Feed the Gondolas; his 2003 break on Have I Got News For You and not to mention his 2003/2004 Chortle Comedy Award wins, O’Briain shot effortlessly to the top.

As it stands, he’s presented numerous topical comedy shows which have included his own production, The Panel, Mock the Week and guest appearances on QI, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and more. As a stand up he has performed the world over and is now known as a sell out favourite at comedy festivals (e.g. the Edinburgh Fringe Festival) and theatre shows (e.g. Live at the Apollo) the length and breadth of Ireland and the UK. He’s released DVDs galore, presented many a gala event, worked extensively as a newspaper columnist, written a comedy book called Tickling the English and fronted 2010’s The Apprentice - You’re Fired! He’s done a lot of work on British radio too. Some of his recent ventures include the BBC's Stargazing with professor Brian Cox, among a number of non comedy, more science related work. Coming soon he presents a talk - The Age of Reason: How Logic Can Save Us at Dublin's Trinity College. What hasn't he done?

Clearly, he’s got a lot on his CV. However none of it would be there were he not an innately funny man. Keeping things fairly light you’re more likely to find Ó’Briain ranting about homeopathy or one of his Room 101 pests, Gillian McKeith, than subjecting the vulnerable tenets of society to scrutiny. Testament to the fact that you can be successful and funny without resorting to a foulmouthed scattergun of insults, Ó'Briain proves that nice guys don’t have to finish last. His cool, quick and confident delivery, his knack of making jokes based on information provided by audience members and his effortless wit furthermore showcases his talent.

Dara plays Vicar Street on the following dates:

Wednesday 4th of July 2012
Thursday 5th of July 2012
Friday 6th of July 2012
Saturday 7th of July 2012
Wednesday 11th of July 2012
Thursday 12th of July 2012
Friday 13th of July 2012
Saturday 14th of July 2012
Thursday 6th of September 2012
Friday 7th of September 2012
Saturday 8th of September 2012
Thursday 13th of September 2012
Friday 14th of September 2012
Saturday 15th of September 2012

Story by EI Team | 09:00 | Wednesday 4th July 2012 | Comedy

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