Daniel O’Reilly, formerly known as controversial stand-up Dapper Laughs, is to make his West End debut in a lead role in the new show Time at the Tristan Bates Theatre from 10th-15th February. He has also written a play, Dying To Be Funny, about his personal journey and struggles with mental health.
Time tells the story of four armed robbers (pictured) who meet after a job goes tragically wrong. O’Reilly is joined by David Schaal (Inbetweeners), Paul Danan (Hollyoaks) and the writer Michael Head (Worth A Flutter and The Greater Game). Writer Head has been hailed by critics as 'a leading light in working class theatre' and 'a great who can mix empathy with comedy making the audience laugh one moment and cry the next'.
Dying To Be Funny is the comedian's most personal show to date and tackles the issues behind the bravado, giving a funny and emotional insight into O'Reilly's life. We hear how he has adjusted to being a father, alongside more troubling issues such as the night he considered suicide because of the loss of his beloved dad Pat.
Daniel O'Reilly recently took part in the first celebrity MMA fight to overcome his anxiety and to raise money for a charity that helps reduce suicide in young men. He’s keen to raise awareness about the struggles and share his own battles with mental health and that it is ok to speak up.
He says: “The most important thing for me work wise is following my dreams in performing arts and my love for musical theatre and acting. After being cast in ‘Time’, I was back to what I loved doing and trained in for years. I love comedy and social media but when I auditioned and got the role it felt amazing as it’s a far cry from dapper laughs, it’s me as a real actor. “Dying To Be Funny” is a lot more personal, I wrote this play. I’ve been very open about my struggles with mental health and the response I’ve had from people going through the same thing gave me the confidence to create this personal stage play. The script is fun, gritty and real and I hope it raises awareness on suicide in young men and shows people there are brighter days to come and to get through it”.
Time will be at the Tristan Bates Theatre from 10th-15th February. For more information or to book tickets here.
