Gearoid Farrelly is fast becoming the new darling of Irish comedy. His new show “Turbulence” sold out in Whelan’s last Thursday night. I caught up with him in the swanky surroundings of the upstairs of Whelan’s before the gig for a chat about the gig and life in general!
Where did the name come from for the show?
Well when you are thinking of a name for a show, you have to think of three or four and then the one you don’t cross out is the one you stick with. I had others like Little Bumps but that didn’t quite work and Turbulence was the only one that I didn’t cross out so that’s what it became
What can we expect from the show?
It’s about what stresses me out in life. It’s about the little bumps that I have had to deal with during my life time. Breakups, childhood addiction to Kinder Surprise Eggs, you know all the serious stuff.
How did you get into comedy?
I was actually acting, always doing my last show as an actor. Then I tried standup and really enjoyed it so here I am!
Who would be your comedy heroes?
Victoria Wood is my ultimate comedy hero, she does everything her way and is hugely successful as a result. On the Irish circuit, they would be The Nuala’s, Jason Byrne and PJ Gallagher.
With Celebrity Big Brother starting, who would be in your dream comedy big brother house?
Oh now there is a question, Maeve Higgins as she is a brilliant cook, Foil Arms and Hog because they are just mad and either Jason Byrne or Pj Gallagher as they would be brilliant craic!
Would you not go in yourself?
God no! I’d never survive!
Round of questioning over, how did the show go?
With Gearoid’s family and friends in the audience and maybe one of his comedy heroes (PJ Gallagher was also there too) he was understandably nervous though he had no need to be! He is funny without even trying. Having seen Gearoid in the International a few weeks ago I was very excited about seeing his show.It did not disappoint. Gearoid’s personality shines through all his material and his brutal honesty is refreshing. His ability to make the serious stuff, breakups, growing up gay in Finglas etc funny is what makes him one of the best comedians around.
He had the audience on the edge of the seat laughing from start to finish, he even gave out a free kinder chocolate bar half way through the show, see how nice this guy is? I personally don’t think I have laughed this much at a comedy gig for a while. Definitely one to watch, this time next year I bet I will be talking to him in the swanky surroundings of Vicar Street! He may need to change his name though as by his own admission during the show he states that he doesn’t think it is a “comedian’s” name! I’ll forgive him for his love of Jedward someday too … I promise! 
More information can be found on Gearoid’s website and you can also follow him on Twitter.
