Enya Martin is putting the magnifying glass on her past, exploring the hurdles she's jumped to get to where she is today.
She'll present 'Acting The Divil'. It's a funny, heartfelt new hour about chasing success while staying true to the people who shaped you.
Enya is the creator of the Giz A Laugh comedy Facebook page, which to this day has built up almost 400,000 followers. She's often regarded as one of the best live stand-up comedians in Ireland.
We chat to her as she brings her show 'Acting The Divil' around Australia.
'Acting The Divil' dives into modern fitness culture – what is it about that world that feels so ripe for comedy right now?
I think it’s social media! Comedians are posting their clips online and it’s being exposed to an audience that may never have considered going to watch stand-up comedy. And they realise it’s actually a bit of craic! There are singers, and actors that we watch, that make us feel something and that’s why we love those arts so much. But laughter is also something that makes us feel!
You touch on the 'quiet truth' of a long-term, childless relationship – did you find that angle came naturally, or was it something you hesitated to put on stage?
It’s something that’s relatable universally. When you're in a relationship there will be or has been a stage where you’ve been childless. But the same dynamics still exist whether there are kids or not in the equation. Your partner still struggles with birthday gifts, bringing the bins out, how men vs women think in certain scenarios. It’s all relatable!
There’s a big journey in this show, from the ‘90s, growing up on a council estate to flying first class – when you look back at that version of yourself, what do you reckon she’d make of your life now?
She’d be dead proud! As a kid, I always strived to create a big memorable life for myself and always felt I would be bigger than my circumstances, but to have followed through with it, and achieve some of the things I have, I bet little old me would be amazed!
Your mum still being the punchline feels very relatable. How does she feel about her ongoing role in the material? Has she ever tried to veto a joke?
She takes it like a champ! She has a great sense of humour, she loves the attention and she can definitely laugh at herself. She can give a slagging as much as she can take it. I do have a line that I don’t cross and that’s never criticising her appearance or berate her parenting skills etc. I just love slagging her view of the world and her lack of self awareness in certain situations. She’s an Irish mother, they’re all made in the same factory.
There’s a real theme of staying true to your roots while chasing success – have you ever caught yourself drifting too far from that, or is it something you’re always conscious of?
My roots are responsible for who I am today. I could never pretend to be someone I’m not. That’s why my supporters love my comedy. It’s personal to me and my experience. I can’t joke about a life I’ve never lived. But as I get older and income has increased, I love trying things I never thought I could financially afford, and giving my working class view on it. For example, flying business class!
Tell us a bit about the title of your show.
'Acting The Divil' which is an Irish turn of phrase, it means being a messer! It embodies the child I was growing up and still am. I was and still do always find ways to take the mickey out of my friends and family, and even my old teachers!
You’re bringing the show all the way to Australia – what’s been the most surreal or unexpected part of that journey so far?
When I was a kid I witnessed so many people around my area emigrate to Australia. A place that felt like another planet. I never thought I’d see it in my lifetime. The cost of getting there or even a reason to go. So many Irish live there and it feels surreal to bring comfort or a sense of home to them. But my comedy is universal and for any Aussies or English in the audience I do tone down the accent ever so slightly.
When audiences leave ‘Acting The Divil’, they should feel. . .
I’ll never run a marathon! Oh so it’s not just my mother who acts like that? So everyone has a mate like that? All relationships are in fact the same!
Enya Martin Tour Dates
16 April – Golden Gate Hotel (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)
30 April-1 May – Darling Quarter Theatre (Sydney Comedy Festival)
2 May – The Rechabite (Perth)
