On The Town: A doctor, a former engineer and a theology graduate were among the comedians who took to the stage at a new club in Bewley's Café Theatre on Grafton Street this week.
Comedian Reuben Evans, a graduate of theology at TCD, never utters a word when he performs. "I play different characters using the mic for different sounds and using facial expressions, body language, jumping and vocal sounds and tone of voice," he explained before taking to the stage.
Dr Matthew Saddlier, a part-time comedian when he isn't working as a doctor in Ennis, Co Clare, was joint master of ceremonies with Neil Delamere from Edenderry, Co Offaly, who was a software engineer before he decided to become a full-time comedian five years ago.
Among the guests at the opening were comedian Katherine Lynch, from Mohill, Co Leitrim, who joked that she gets most of her characters from her home town. The former hairdresser and reflexologist will appear on soon on RTÉ2 in a new eight-part series called The Unbelievable Truth. Lynch's friend, actor and agent Sharyn Hayden, was also there and is looking forward to performing with the burlesque cabaret troupe she manages when they play in the Vaults club under Connolly Station on Friday, February 3rd.
Alan King, artistic director of Bewley's Café Theatre, hopes that the boudoir elegance and old-world glamour of the building's Oriental Room on the second floor will help attract a larger and younger audience. Emily Gough, the club's booking agent, is equally optimistic. With about 150 comedians to choose from, she'll be contacting "the cream of the crop" from both established and up-and-coming performers.
The comedy club will take place monthly on Tuesdays. The next one is on Feb 21