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Comedy

London,

Ed Byrne


Rating: 3 out of 5 Bruce Dessau's rating
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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Vaudeville Theatre, WC2

Ed Byrne is a hit in London

Ed Byrne
Comedian: Ed Byrne

By Bruce Dessau
15 Sep 2009


If proof were needed to confirm the bouyancy of the comedy scene look no further than Ed Byrne.

This seasoned Dubliner is hardly a household name beyond his own des res, yet his London run has just been extended by a fortnight. 

One of the strongest routines in Different Class, which played the Riverside Studios in 2008, is inspired by this kind of celebrity limbo where people recognise him but do not know where from. As he explains, in England they call him “that bloke”. In Ireland they do know his name and abuse him.

If the first section of this polished set rattles smartly through stand-up staples, from WAG gags to naff movies to witty ripostes you wish you’d delivered, the second half is more cohesive, drawing on Byrne’s feeble efforts to emulate his working-class father, while pleasing his posh new wife. 

It is the marriage riff that lends the show weight, with Byrne raging about nuptial expenses. As costs spiralled they considered a wedding planner, “the wedding equivalent of debt consolidation”, before common sense prevailed. An object lesson in financial planning as well as observational comedy.   

Until 4 October. Information: 0844 579 1975. www.nimaxtheatres.com.

Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.

Reader views (3)

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Sean, With pleasure we'll keep him. We appreciate talent here.

- Joanne, London UK, 18/09/2009 13:50
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What a fantastic night out.I would highly recommend going to see ed byrne,very clever and laugh out loud funny.

- Isabel Murphy, london, 18/09/2009 12:50
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Can you keep the over-rated and irritating Mr Byrne over there in Britain. Slainte!

- Sean, Cork, Ireland, 18/09/2009 12:50
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