IT’S been 10 years since comedian Des Bishop’s programme ‘Joy in The Hood’, where the seasoned funny-man travelled to Ballymun to find up and coming talent.
Willa White, Dean Scurry and Eric Lalor all took part in the programme and it gave them a kick-start in their comedic careers and inspired them to set up the House of Fun Comedy Club in the Axis Theatre.
Last week the trio reunited to celebrate 50 years of the ‘Mun and Ballymun’s own Axis Theatre 15th birthday with a one-night-only comedy gig called ‘Howl at the Mun’.
Niamh Ní Chonchubhair, Programme Manager in the Axis Theatre, explained to Northside People why they decided to run the gig.
“We’re marking 10 years since the House of Fun Comedy Club started after Des Bishop’s ‘Joy in The Hood’ and we wanted to shine a light on local talent as well as share some of the great memories this community has,” she said.
And that’s exactly what the three local legends did on the night!
The comedians touched on everything from global affairs like ISIS attacks and Donald Trump to issues relevant to Dublin such as water protests and homelessness.
Of course, Ballymun was a big feature for all the comedians. Willa White in particular reminisced on growing up in the flats.
“Remember paying your rent underneath the flats?” he called out. When the audience responded with a resounding ‘yes’, White joked back: “And remember going down to rob it back later? Great system.”
He also added that it made the gig a bit more exciting wondering if his car would still be outside when he comes out.
The audience was in stitches and interacting well with the comedians. White, Scurry and Lalor are now in a position, and have a platform, to inspire other budding comedians from Ballymun.
One such person who attended the gig was Jamie Harrington, who has done a bit of stand-up comedy himself. When the comedians opened up the floor for questions, Jamie stuck his hand up and asked: “How does it feel to go into a big venue doing a gig, after starting off in Ballymun”.
The 18-year-old said that Willa White gave him the best piece of advice and told him: “Go in with your head held up and keep holding it up.” Jamie added: “I suppose it’s all about being from Ballymun but being proud”.
Anyone who couldn’t make the gig, could watch it live from the Axis Ballymun Facebook page with over 260 views gathered before the first interval.
All the money raised from tickets is going to the Ballymun Regional Youth Resource, which was a nice added bonus for the gig-goers.
Niamh Ní Chonchubhair finished by saying that people were in tears laughing, and left wanting more.
“It was so good, we’ll have to do it again!” she said.
We can’t wait!
REPORT: Róisín Nestor