DARA O'BRIAIN

November 2000

“Very very good. I refuse to believe that he is destined for anything other than major stardom. O’Briain is just too classy for words.” - The Stage

Dara O Briain is one of the big names in new Irish comedy. He is already famous in Ireland for his weekly appearances on the hit satirical telly show “Don’t Feed the Gondolas”, which was nominated for Best Entertainment Programme in the 1999 Irish Film and Television Academy Awards. It’s essential viewing for everyone in the country under the age of 45, and the show has now extended its reach across Europe through its regular slots on satellite channels Challenge TV and Tara Television. Another huge success has been his role as host on the new RTE family show, “It’s a Family Affair”.

“In terms of fresh, local talent, the one to be watching out for is Dara O’Briain. A dab hand at mordant contemporary commentary, O Briain’s trademark motor-mouth material is at times quite inspired.” – The Irish Times

Dara has also been busy appearing on numerous comedy shows on British television, including Channel 5’s “Bring me the Head of Light Entertainment” and for the BBC, the stand-up showcases “The Empire Laughs Back” and the prestigious BBC’s “The Stand-up Show”. In Australia earlier this year he was such a hit as special guest on “The Panel” (Ch. 7), he was immediately invited back, plus given an open invitation for his next Australian tour!

As a live performer, Dara has been for a long time one of the major draws on the Irish circuit, with regular sell-out shows at festivals all over the country, as well as popular residencies as MC at the two largest clubs in the country. He has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe for the past three years boasting sell-out audiences and rave reviews.

“A big man with a warm, engaging personality and a quick wit, he spirits up laughs like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat. O Briain makes it all look so effortless.”

– The Scotsman

 

“One of the most enjoyable aspects of O’Briain’s delivery is his skill at interweaving pre-planned material with spontaneous flights of imagination” – The Herald

In the last twelve months Dara has toured to two comedy festivals in Australia, as well as Dubai, Hong Kong, China, Holland, Paris, and all over Britain.

“Tagged as one of Irelands funniest comedians he certainly lives up to the title, producing comedy at it’s best” - Evening News

Dara has also worked as a newspaper columnist, with his pieces appearing in almost all the national papers from the Sunday Times to the Irish Independent. However, all this stand-up success meant that Dara did have to retire from his job as happy, smiley children’s television presenter. This he feels is a good thing. He was getting too damn old.

 “Top stuff. If you haven’t heard of him yet - you soon will.”  - The List