starred in. Playing belligerent and openly hostile shopkeeper Bernard who loathes the outside world and all its inhabitants, Moran’s on stage persona is not unlike that of Bernard who was voted 19th in the World’s Greatest Comedy Characters by Channel 4 viewers. Unkempt and curmudgeons, yet possessing a shambolic charm for which he is renowned, Moran has a loyal following, thus explaining the rare two date residence for a stand-up show outside of London. ‘Yeah, Yeah’ itself has opened to rave reviews for its highly polished content (where no subject is off limits), the ease and sermon-like approach with which Moran delivers it and the aching of the gut you’ll inevitably experience upon leaving the theatre. We dared to interrogate the sardonic actor and comedian ahead of his stint at the Sheffield City Hall and got only what you’d expect; a heartwarming expose into the life of this charming Irishman.
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ith an endearing twinkle in his eye, award-winning Irish funnyman Dylan Moran returns to the North as he prepares to take over the Sheffield stage for two nights this July with his new tour ‘Yeah, Yeah’. On the agenda are ageing, religion, kids, relationships and a generous helping of searing observations on the general absurdities of life. Moran has gained somewhat of a cult following since the success of Channel 4 sitcom Black Books, which he both created and
Only a furor of demand to see your face can account for the hectic new tour schedule, which sees you play many venues on consecutive night. What can we expect to see from Yeah, Yeah? Tremendous violence. Impressions of Victorian Chemists. Breasts. Taramasolata. How does it feel to be the ‘14th Greatest Comic’ according to Channel 4 viewers? And are there any accolades that have melted your heart? It has changed my life. I no longer have
to open the fridge or climb up stairs. And yes, I was greatly touched to be voted 3rd runner up in Hull’s Annual ‘Least Lumpy Forehead’ competition. Although critical acclaim landed in your palm at the tender age of 24, were there ever moments when you considered going back into floristry? No, but I am thinking of opening a themed restaurant called ‘Conspiracy’ where all the waiters look like Donald Rumsfeld. Does it take a lot of effort to maintain your persona as an unsociable misanthropist or is it something that comes naturally? I am a cheerful person who experiences the odd mood-swing. Now f**k off. How many cigarettes do you smoke in a day…in a minute? Don’t count, am trying to quit. Don’t smoke children, it ruins their flavour. Aside from nicotine, what else do you adore to consume? I am devoted to warm pints of Walrus blubber mixed with a nice handful of jute. You’ve been described as ‘’a rambling James Joyce who’s had a few too many’’. How do you prepare for your performances and are they fuelled by a tipple of preference? I prepare with a secret routine involving T’ai Chi - Astral Projection, marine exercise drills and obscure breathing techniques from the Monasteries of Ulan Bator. The trick is to appear as though you are just sitting and eating crisps. FEATURE | DYLAN MORAN
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