Life is full of ups and downs – we're all trying to get it together, and acclaimed Irish comedian, actor and podcaster Gearóid Farrelly sees the pressure everywhere.
Gearóid balances the glitterball glamour of 'Dancing With The Stars' with a far less sparkly reality: caring for his sick cat.
In his show 'No Pressure', the quiet panic of modern life collides with sequins, spray tans, and the very real pressure of life TV.
We speak to Gearóid about his show, which explores the idea of trying to cope in a world which just keeps raising the bar. He's hitting Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Sydney Comedy Festival.
Is this your first time in Australia? What are you most looking forward to about heading down under?
I have never been to Australia before and I’m incredibly excited about it. I have friends that live there and my only reference points for Australia is a childhood obsession with 'Neighbours'. I cannot wait for the sun, and the beach. Oh yeah and the show. Mainly the sun though!
Is there anything you’ve been told about Australia – or that you’re curious about – that you’re looking forward to exploring yourself?
People that have been on holidays there talk about the beach, but when I tell comedians that I’m going to Melbourne they close their eyes and say. . . “The brunches. . .” so I’m looking forward to experiencing that for myself. When I travel to new cities I look for the best brunch, record shops, nice coffees and cakes and a great spot for people watching.
You were recently on ‘Dancing With The Stars’. Tell us a bit about how that experience was for you overall!?
It was the most exciting thing I have ever done. It was absolutely terrifying to be dancing on live TV every Sunday night and then starting on a new routine every Monday. I survived for eight of the eleven weeks. I’m not really a glitz and glamour show man but I got used to it very quickly! I loved the fake tan! I was on tour in Ireland at the same time so I would go from camera rehearsals on Saturday morning to a show that night and then drive back after the show and be in makeup for 8am the next morning. It was a very crazy time!
You were part of a same-sex partnership on the show, which was a bit of a stand-out moment in terms of representation. How did this feel?
I had said no a couple of times but when they offered a same-sex partnership I couldn’t turn that down. Myself and my pro partner Stephen Vincent decided we wanted our performances each week to be a moment where families could watch the tv together and fathers could say to sons they feel may be struggling with their sexuality “The only thing he should be ashamed of is his dancing!”. We got so many amazing messages from people who did just that, young and old people who came out, people whose kids started to talk about their feelings, we had gay couples that got married but hadn’t danced at their wedding and regretted it. It was all very overwhelming. We had a ball. I am so proud of my time on 'DWTS', it is the best thing I have ever done. Actually Joshua O’Keefe who danced with Courtney Act on the Australian 'DWTS' is one of the Head Choreographers on the show and he worked with me a lot on learning the ballroom frame. I have the posture of a penguin!
What can audiences expect in ‘No Pressure’?
I just want people to have a good time. I’m a chatty comedian so if there is a message I bury it deep! I want the audience to belly laugh. My problems are there to be laughed at rather than be explored! There’s a bit of chat about learning to dance, and my late cat and masculinity. . . All the big stuff really!
In the show, you’ll reflect (among other things) on the joy of embracing imperfection. When was the last time you leaned into embracing imperfection and what has it taught you?
Literally everything I’ve ever done. I cannot think of a single thing I excel in with the exception of comedy. I’ve been learning to play the piano for about 30 years. I’m still shockingly bad. I think it’s nice to be a jack of all trades master of none!
What, would you say, is the biggest clear marker of your evolution in the world of stand-up? Where have you grown/evolved the most within it?
I think COVID was a game-changer for me. I thought I was done with comedy and then after, when the world opened up again, things really took off for me when I toured with Joanne McNally. I used to get quite nervous before shows but all that is completely gone. I think once I started to play big rooms you get to really step up. I recently sold out the Leicester Square Theatre in London and that was a big moment for me. People coming to see you in a country you don’t live in is a real honour. That’s why I’m so excited about Australia!
Describe ‘No Pressure’ in four words.
Funny gay best friend!
Gearóid Farrelly plays Trades Hall – Quilt Room (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 6-19 April and Comedy Store (Sydney Comedy Festival) 21-22 April.
