With the Magners Comedy Festival and Macau Irish Festival going down, Punchline Comedy has lined up a triple-headlining bill that’s all Irish and all-fun. Andrew Stanley is a favorite at comedy festivals around the world and the resident MC at Dublin’s legendary Comedy Cellar. John Lynn has been dubbed "the rising star of Irish comedy" by the Sunday Times. And Karl Spain has brought his cracking wit worldwide with his Spain, Ireland and Beyond tour. We chat with Spain about his past China adventures, performing to 12,000 people and how to survive St. Paddy's Day.
Welcome to China. We’re very excited to have you here. Will this be your first time here? If so, what are you hoping to see and do. If not, how were your past experiences here?
No it's not my first time in China I have been twice before. I find China to be a fascinating country and I love coming here very much. There is so much to see and do in China I'll be just looking for new experiences. My previous visits were great fun and I did a lot of the tourist things this time I'll maybe explore a bit more.
So how did you get into comedy? Was it something you always aspired to get into and who are some of your early comedy influences?
I always was interested in comedy and people suggested I give it a try. I entered a competition that was for Irish television and I won that I've never looked back . Billy Connolly and Bill Hicks were my first real comedy influences but there are so many over the years who I really admire too many to mention.
For people who might not know who you are, how would you describe your comedy style?
I'm a cheeky story teller. I like when a gig has a little bit something that is unique to that gig. I'll chat to the audience a bit and try and find out who is in the audience.
In 2000, you won the R.T.E. New Comedian Award. Entering that competition, were you confident that you will win and how did winning change your career/life?
I wasn't confident at all I used to be a very nervous performer in my early days but now I'm so much more relaxed. And that makes it more fun for me and hopefully the audience.
What’s Dublin’s comedy scene like? Is it rowdier compared to other cities you play at, and who are some Irish comics that people should be paying more attention to?
Dublin and the Irish comedy scene is good the audiences are usually "up for it" and it's always great fun to do a show in Ireland.
Being from Canada, the Just for Laughs Festival is a huge deal. What was the experience like performing there? Do you get more nervous playing to large festival crowds compared to smaller comedy clubs?
The Just for Laughs festival was such big thing for me when I first saw stand up as I know it now it was from Montreal and I was hooked. I loved it. I remember walking on stage for my first gig in Montreal and I just felt so happy. I don't get nerves anymore but I've played to 12,000 people and I've played to 30 people in the last few months; it is still pretty much the same , you try and get them all laughing at the same places.
You’ve performed all over the world with your Spain, Ireland and Beyond tour. Do you ever have to tweak your act for more conservative countries like Dubai and what tricks do you have for breaking the ice for a completely new foreign audience?
Where ever you are in the world audiences will laugh at the same things funny is funny but I do remember in India the Indian audience loved a bit of smut and boy did they love it!
You also do some acting. Was it difficult to transition into that from comedy and what are the biggest similarities and differences between the two?
I like acting as it's something different and I like a bit of variety and a challenge every now and then. I have a part in a new show being made for the BBC which is very exciting.
This upcoming Punchline Comedy Show is an Irish showcase just around St. Patrick’s Day. What’s been your craziest St. Patrick’s Day moment and any advice to St. Paddy’s partiers?
If you're partying try and pace yourself and also never drink on an empty stomach! It's the one day when we are all Irish the whole world. Except maybe Isis.
Following your China shows, what are your plans?
I'm going to the European Championships supporting Ireland I have my tickets and I'm really excited . I'm a big football fan I'm also going to the champions league final in Milan. So excited about both these.
Besides stand-up, are there any other projects you’re working on that you would like to plug?
Nothing to plug but I do write for other comedians as well and I have written pantomimes it keeps me very busy.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Nothing else to add only do come and see the show both John and Andrew are great comedians and we'll be looking forward to showing everybody how to celebrate St Patrick's day properly like an Irishman.
Mar 10, 8pm, RMB290. Zapatas, tickets. See event listing.
Mar 11, 8pm, RMB290. The Exchange, tickets. See event listing.
Mar 12, 8pm, RMB290. Kerry Hotel Pudong, tickets. See event listing.
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