ED BYRNE

At the Oxford Playhouse, Monday 30th October 2000

Ireland's third funniest man was on extremely good form last night. A good comedian in front of a live audience is almost always absurdly engaging, and Ed more than most, seems to have a way with him. He is sharp- almost extraordinarily acidic on the subject of Steps, of all people- and swears with such verve that you want to kiss him. He obviously enjoys working off the audience, although the Oxford types there last night- miserable lot- didn't respond with much enthusiasm. He also managed to work his way through a one and a half hour set with out mentioning/ playing up to his nationality, which makes an invigorating change.

His subject matter didn't knock you out with its originality, which was actually comforting. Set pieces involving boorish cab drivers and boyfriend-girlfriend dynamics made me literally wiggle with the joy of recognition. His approach was always fresh and intelligent and rather politicized. This came as rather a surprise- he seems so dissolute, staggering around on stage with his full tar fags and bottles of Budweiser- but his material on xenophobia was focused and razor sharp. Generally when comedians become earnest and angsty about a worthy cause, its tempting to imagine beating them savagely about the upper torso with a cricket bat, but I had no such urge last night.

The general opinion of Ed Byrne is that he is about to become really big. He has recently completed a film for Universal called Rat, and is developing his own sitcom. He is obviously doing very well at his chosen career of being extremely funny. Perhaps even more excitingly for Ed, on the basis of last night I'd say he could topple his contemporary Dylan Moran as my second favourite Dubliner.

Sarah Montgomery, 31 / 10 / 00