Introducing Emer Maguire

by Helen McCourt

Science Communicator, musician and comedian, Emer Maguire, has become a rising star, with sold out shows throughout Ireland and a new tour planned for October and November 2023.

Her comedy career started at the Edinburgh Fringe. A talented communicator in all forms, Emer has created her own podcasts, appeared on TV and radio and in 2018 she won IMRO Specialist Speech Broadcaster of the Year and New Presenter of the Year. She is currently doing a Research Masters in Laughter and Humour. She has interviewed guests at the recent Women in Tech Conference (2023) and regularly appears on BBC Radio Ulster and Radio 4, discussing science and cultural events.

Born in Strabane and now based in Belfast, Emer blends a wonderful mix of comedy, science and music, and has become a communications expert having honed a unique way to get her knowledge across.

While studying to become a Speech and Language Therapist, Emer got smitten by science, even though she had disliked it at school. Interested in continuing learning, it was while studying for her first Masters, she entered a competition to win a communication course because she herself struggled with public speaking.

The premise of the competition was to explain a topic, using good content, charisma and clarity to get the meaning across. Emer, then being 22, used music and song to explain “The Science of Kissing”, won the competition and subsequently represented NI at an international event. And thus began a new career. Emer has developed her comedy career communicating science topics and life observations to engage and entertain her audiences.

She has worked for BBC radio and TV (“Science and Stuff, Where Words fail, Music speaks”), is a four-time TEDx speaker, and has been MC at high profile events across science and culture, tech and the arts.

In February 2023, she hosted the NI Science Festival - in conjunction with the OU - and with Armagh born Astrophysicist, Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, explored the connection between poetry and physics.

Emer was diagnosed with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) eighteen months ago after a struggle with what she thought was stage fright. Shy and reserved as a child, she struggled with being socially awkward and anxious in group settings. Preparing for a sold-out show in the Ulster Hall she realised she needed help with her stage fright. She was incredulous to find out that she was suffering from OCD - a medical condition masking her public anxiety which was presenting as stage fright.

Emer has recently spoken at her shows about this neurological disorder - which for her is controlled by medication. When asked why communicate about something so personal in her comedy show Emer said “what if there is someone who is tormented that might hear that they can be helped?” And some audience members have subsequently spoken to her about their concerns about OCD after shows.

What is in the future?

Emer has a “One for the Road” tour planned for this coming October and November in venues all around Northern Ireland where she will continue to share her knowledge in her very own unique, relatable and quirky way. For more information, including tickets for her tour, check out her website at www.emermaguire.com.

Photography courtesy of Peter Brown. Follow Peter on Instagram @petersphotographygallery