EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Conor Drum

Tell us a bit about your show

My show is called All My Friends Are Dead. They aren't really dead, they are married, so they are dead to me. It's a show about being the only singleton left in the group I grew up with back in Dublin.

During the show I talk about the anxiety of weddings when single and all the questions that brings. When that wedding invite hits the mat for me it's not a cause for celebration it's a cause for anxiety, I don't see it as an exciting event to look forward to, I see it as a five hundred quid bill for a weekend I never wanted. I also cover topics like having children, watching TV and eating cheese, not necessarily at the same time.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

Well, for starters, I absolutely love the Fringe; it's the only time of year where I feel at home as if I'm normal like the other comics. I brought a shorter version to Edinburgh last year and it went down very well. The room was small and I was turning people away daily. I think the theme resonated with a number of people, I think we are living in a different world to the one people lived in less than a generation ago. The basic milestones our parents had taken for granted and passed early on in life like marriage and house ownership have been moved further back for younger people, so many of us are in a state of stasis and not really able to become true adults. This show is appealing because so many are in the same boat. Hopefully this year it will be as popular as the room is twice the size and the more that come and see it, the more fun it will be.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

I think it's an interesting concept that is not generally explored by men. Men don't consider weddings as much in general. The organisation and excitement around the event tends to fall at the feet of women in my experience and the man's role is more passive. This show talks about how it feels to be left behind or least to think you are left behind while watching your friends seemingly move forward in life.

Who would you recommend comes to see your show?

Anyone who's gone to a wedding as a singleton. Anyone who's never gone to one at all. Anyone who has been through the same situation. Anyone who wants a good comedy show. It's not a dead serious show, it's an hour of good stories and good jokes. Whether you've experienced any of the topics I cover or not, there should be something for everyone in this solid stand-up comedy show. Also it's free, so if you don't like it, I'll give you your money back.

Are there any other performances you're hoping to catch at the festival?

I'm hoping to catch a few. Paul Currie is a must see, you never know what to expect from him, his shows are bananas but so much fun and utterly hilarious. Last year he made a group from the audience butter an ironing board. I've got to catch Tommy Tiernan this year too as he is a bit of a hero of mine. Sean Patton is great, he's from the States; I caught him in Angel comedy last year and he was brilliant.

Timings and ticket information for Conor Drum: All My Friends Are Dead are available on the edfringe website.

Photo Credit: Mark Dawson Photography

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