Words: Caitlin Finnerty

4 Stars

Killian Sundermann’s This Boy is Cracking Up blends stand-up, sketch, and song into a loose but engaging hour that charts his boyhood dream of becoming a rock star. Striding onstage in what he insists is a “cool rockstar outfit”, Sundermann oozes awkward Irish charm. The sold-out Sunday crowd is immediately on his side as he recounts idolising Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott so much that he took “Phillip” as his confirmation name.

Growing up in a Catholic household with an Irish mother and a German father gives him plenty of comedic ammunition. Catholic guilt is a recurring undercurrent, but so too is his wry affection for his upbringing. His impressions of his parents are warmly funny and sharply observed.

A self-described “Covid comedian,” Sundermann acknowledges that much of his audience found him through lockdown videos. He peppers the show with catchy songs, and holds the room with a mix of self-deprecation, offbeat punchlines, and just enough rockstar swagger to keep the dream alive.

Killian Sundermann: This Boy is Cracking Up 
Jersey at Underbelly Bristo
17:30
Aug 12-21