Words: Rosemary MacDonald

4 Stars

In Divil May Cry, Roger O’Sullivan makes strong commentary on being working class, especially in the performing arts/comedy industry. After winning Best Newcomer and Comedian’s Choice Award last year, O’Sullivan returns to talk of the change from his upbringing in rural Ireland to his life now in London. He speaks about his family history, dating, working and being working class Irish in the comedy industry.

Using dark humour, O’Sullivan discusses the peasant mindset, Catholicism and Colonialism. He makes sure to never make a mockery of these topics, always punching up and making strong commentary. The peasant mindset that he speaks of refers to the working class belief that ambition and thoughts of moving outside of your class are a sin and that if things can get better then they can always get worse so you should stick to the status quo. He discusses how Religion and Colonialism pushed this idea on the working class and how it’s still prevalent today. While this sounds dark, O’Sullivan manages to use humour and a lot of heart to explore it and the message throughout is that although this exists in society, it’s something that we should absolutely push against and strive to achieve our dreams. 

While ultimately dealing with ideas around oppression, O’Sullivan’s humour makes for a hilarious stand-up show that has the audience bursting out laughing in recognition and at his gimmicks. In the sentiment of the audience member next to me, I would say ‘that was class!’. 

Roger O’Sullivan: Divil May Cry
Monkey Barrel 2 at Monkey Barrel Comedy
17:45
6 August – 30 August (not 12th and 18th)