“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am David O’Doherty”, shouts O’Doherty as he takes the stage in a confident yet shuffling awkward way. And so begins an hour of absolute joy.
The title of the show is a signpost to his mental state in coming to this year’s festival – he is prepared to take on such heady titles as ”comedian” and not shrink away from the responsibility that that engenders. He is here to make people laugh and by God he does.
The undeservedly small crowd is rib-tickled by his japery from the off. Having concluded his introductory song with his ever present keyboard, O’Doherty takes us through the various ramifications of the lighting states in relation to Irish theatre, then moves on to a wonderful story about the other two men in Dublin with his surname and how there has been an on going feud due to internet misunderstandings. More stories, songs and flights of whimsy follow.
O’Doherty is eminently watchable and a gifted storyteller, with his slightly childlike movements and impressive bouffant hair only adding to the focus he draws. He is sharp, witty and unimpressed with the style of writing of some of his reviews. It only confirms that he truly is a free spirit, uncluttered by the PR furore that accompanies this festival. He wants a true feeling, an honest take on life and he’ll get a laugh from you while he’s musing. Good on him.
There is a tinge of regret when the show comes to and end and we have to shuffle out into the everyday company that may not be as charming, funny and joyously whimsical as O’Doherty, so I’d urge you to see this show as soon as humanly possible.
5/5
Peter Rates
