(Reviews from the artSMart team currently in Grahamstown
at the 2015 National Arts Festival)
Consummate
professional and a very entertaining performer. (Review by Keith Millar)
Internationally
acclaimed Irish comedian, Dylan Moran, is one of the flagship acts brought to
the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown this year.
This popular
stand-up comedian, writer, actor and filmmaker is regarded as one of the best
comics of his generation. He has regularly been voted amongst the top 20 greatest
stand-up comedians. However, one can’t help thinking that a poll such as that
can only be subjective.
Moran is also feted
for his role as Bernard Black in the UK television sitcom, Black Boots, which he
co-wrote. The series has received two BAFTA awards.
In this country,
Moran has a massive cult following. It is these supporters which resulted in
the huge Guy Butler Theatre at the 1820 Settlers Monument in Grahamstown been
sold out for all his shows.
His appearance on
stage led to a spontaneous outbreak of rapturous applause and whoops of joy
from his adoring fans. He then proceeded to hold them in the palm of his hand
as they rocked with laughter at his every word and gesture.
Moran has an
eccentric appearance on stage. With his trademark uncombed hair, baggy jeans
and ill-fitting blazer, he looks more like a layabout than the first-class,
sharp witted and sardonic comic he proves to be.
The new show which
he is presenting in Grahamstown is entitled Off
the Hook and is more personal than his previous offerings. He talks about
marriage and his family and the rotund shape he has developed since giving up
smoking. He admits that he can’t help constantly putting food in his mouth but
insists he is not American fat, but that he is rather a more sophisticated
European fat.
In his rambling,
shambolic and slightly confused style he also touches on subjects such as
religion, political issues, terrorism, getting old, hipsters, immigration, Germans,
middle-age and all the paradoxes of life. He suggests that life has only four
stages – child, failure, old and death.
Despite the
laid-back style Moran, as you would expect from someone who has been in the
business for 25 years, is razor sharp. His delivery is marvellously paced and
his comedy timing is superb.
Dylan Moran is the
consummate professional and a very entertaining performer. However, there is
hope for our local comedians. I have seen more than one who could stand their
ground with this international star. – Keith Millar
(For more information on the National Arts Festival click
on the banner advert at the top of this page or visit www.nationalartsfestival.co.za)
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