If there was an award for Best Show Jarlath Regan would be a shoo-in. The skilful Irishman's latest show is called Organ Freeman. And no, it isn't a misprint, it is inspired by the fact that he recently donated a kidney to his brother. Well, he had two of his own so he had one to spare. He will be telling the story of this fraternal sacrifice and much more onstage. It is a cliche, I know, but like a lot of Irishman Regan has the gift of the gab and can certainly tell a tale, so this is definitely one to catch. Oh, and also take a listen to his regular podcast, An Irishman Abroad.
Jarlath Regan is at Leicester Square Theatre on January 19 then touring. Dates here.
1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?
I jump and down ten times, dance a little bit and shake my arms out to loosen myself up. Then I undo all of that by staring at my set list intently for 1 minute. The very last thing I do is press go on the vibrating countdown timer on my watch. I lived in constant fear of going over time until I bought that watch!
2. What irritates you?
Pretence is very hard to take. You're fooling nobody. There's so much of it around. Politics, fashion, wealth, conversation, relationships, the whole pretending and not actually saying what you think bugs me so intensely. A lot of jokes are to be found in it at the same time so, swings and roundabouts.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
I've nearly been killed on several occasions, falling down rock faces, drowning, electrocution, gun shots but nothing terrifies me more than when that message comes up on the screen of my phone "Restore to factory settings". My hand is trembling as I hit cancel.
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
I once flew to Dublin for a very important meeting. I was on the street where the meeting was to take place when I realised it was to take place in London on the street of the same name. It was a very dark day for me.
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
How normal it all is. How much like any other job it all is. We all have some crazy idea about what showbiz is growing up and then suddenly you're in showbiz and you see that it's just people doing a job. A very weird job in some cases but still. The guy jumping buses on a motorbike is still just the same as the guy with the guitar or microphone. They still have to pay their gas bill.
Interview continues here.
