Vicar Street is an absolutely cracking venue for a gig. Big enough to feel atmospheric and small enough to also feel intimate.
When we arrived there on Friday to see Tommy Tiernan, our phones were immediately taken from us. I hadn’t considered that this might happen to protect his material leaking, but it was actually terrific to be at a gig where phones weren’t being waved around everywhere.
Tables and stools are scattered around the floor, allowing for comfortable seating with a drink.
Tommy stormed the stage in what he described himself as ‘a high energy mix of outrageous ideas and whimsical flights of fancy.’
I had forgotten how irreverent and funny he can be. His improvised interview programme on RTE has become a huge hit in recent years and while his interview skills are sincere and in-depth, he is not in comedic mode during his talk show. It felt almost like a blast from the past when he bounced from one hilarious gag to another.
Tommy has been a stand-up comic now for more than 25 years, but his material is ever-evolving and never stale. Comedy legend Billy Connolly has named him as one of his all-time favourite comedians.
Another feather in his cap is his turn as the endearing Da Gerry in ‘Derry Girls’, years before this he was a fan favourite as hilariously melancholy Fr Kevin in ‘Father Ted’.
Tomfoolery, which is restricted to audiences 18 and up, is not for the faint of heart. It’s also not for anyone expecting traditional set-up-and-punchline delivery. Tommy is a storyteller, so it’s a good plan to settle in and let him take you on a wild ride.
Tomfoolery is touring all over Ireland as well as returning to Vicar Street for dates in March and April. They are selling out quickly but there is still some availability for most dates.
