Presented by Gearoid Farrelly

Review by Judith Neeson

Studio Five at Assembly George Square Studios

Using his storytelling narrative style, Farrelly delivers an enjoyable evening of comedy at this Fringe. His comedic timing and energy are on point. We explore his childhood and recent life experiences, confronting hard moments; his A-material is delivered with hilarious energy and light-hearted humour.

Farrelly flies the LGBTQIA+ flag high, making regular references to the challenges facing him currently in Ireland and how overthinking any of life’s problems or curveballs isn’t a test of his personal gay image. He makes great parallels to awkward situations using satire, which was well received, and the laughter rolled over from story to story during his hour-long personal revelation.

Hilarious comedic moments are explored as he discusses real-world problems as a gay man, for example, when competing in a widely watched dance competition partnered with a straight man, and how the pressures of having a public image can take away from something in its simplest and purest form.

Whilst Farrelly is incredibly endearing and works hard with a particularly quiet audience to find common ground, his narratives at times lose direction. There are topics touched upon which are interesting and relevant; however, they can lack a commonality in theme and an overarching narrative which can tie it all together a little bit more.

With references to his relationships- family, friends and his heartwarming closeness to his cat “Boots”- there truly is something for everyone in his one-hour comedy stand-up show.

Farrelly delivers a great high-energy performance this year, full of punch lines and current issues which will have you continually laughing out loud—this is one to watch and worth a look. Catch him before the run ends at this Fringe festival at Studio 5 Assembly Festival, Edinburgh.

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