London Irish Comedy Fest was a joy for Michael
Derry comedian Michael Porter.
Derry stand up comedian, Michael Porter, has just returned from the London Irish Comedy Festival “amazed” that he was invited along.
Having taken to the stage as a way of “turning negativities and boredom into a positive release,” Michael was the only Northern Irish comedian to appear on the bill.
Also on the comedy bill were Irish comedy heavyweights, Neil Delamare and Andrew Maxwell. “It was a great experience and I have lined up a few more gigs thanks to that festival,” said Michael,
Since first taking to stand up in 2009, Michael says the London Irish Festival was: “the biggest thing I have done since starting.”
Michael admits he has come a long way since he first took to the stage.
In his first outing he promptly: “died on my arse. It was painful,” he recalls.
Having decided to try stand up aged 27 Michael said: “I had just broken up with my bird, I wasn’t seeing my daughter and I realised that as we get older life becomes much less fun.
“I was always good craic and into having a laugh at school so I suppose it was a stress reliever.”
The situation with his daughter has since been rectified and Michael admits: “She writes a lot of comedy for me.
“She’s only five but after explaining what I did she came back with a joke for me; ‘What did one autumn leaf say to the other? I’m falling for you.’ I must have two hours of material on her alone. She has an imaginary friend, who wont play with her as the imaginary friend has an imaginary friend. I thought I was unpopular! I told her she’s Scottish so be independent, she didn’t get it,” laughed Michael.
Comedy is cathartic for the comedian: “I have a lot of ‘I hate my ex’ jokes.
“I suppose like most I’m trying to find happiness and laughing on stage and making others laugh does that for me.
“I enjoy getting my demons out while on stage. I think the best comedians are all thoroughly miserable and they channel their frustration into their comedy.
“I suppose that’s what I’m trying to do. It makes me a happier person.”
Certainly the comedy career of the former St. Peter’s pupil is going from strength to strength. “The hope, the dream is to be a TV comedian. I‘d love to appear on ‘Live at the Apollo.’”
Catch Michael perform as support to Robbie Bonham at the Metro Comedy Night on Sunday October 28.
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Weather for Derry
Sunday 19 May 2013
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