The International Bar itself is an old teak-and-marble number from the late 1800s, a teeny little pub in the heart of city centre. Upstairs, in a converted attic, there's room for 75 people and one comedian. The stage is simple--a platform with two lamps and a "The Comedy Cellar" wall poster with the classic Guinness moon on it--penned by the Guinness artists back in the 30s. The sign is an original; this attic has been around for more than 70 years and has been a proving ground for nearly every famous Irish comedian.
Yesterday was a particularly hard day for me at work, and I didn't realize how in need of a laugh I was. But I was in STITCHES the entire time!! Now, despite the bar's name, the guys I was with--Brian my housemate and his friends--warned me not to let on to anyone that I was American. I soon learned why, when the first comedian asked the audience who was from where and a girl shouted "Chicago!" and got RAILED on for the next 45 mins. It was hilarious.....but I'm glad it wasn't me!
There was a sketch comedy troupe who put a balloon up on stage and disappeared. A few minutes later the Chariots of Fire song came over the speakers, and from the back of the room three guys started in running toward the balloon in slow motion........in sperm-shaped hats. The sperm guys slow-motioned through the room, and just made it to the stage when the music cut out and a woman walked on stage, kicking them off and protecting the balloon. "NO, no, feck off, not tonight, off you get. Go on! Go on!" Her shirt said "Morning After Pill" on it.
I was in stitches for that, but there were others that missed the mark, like the guy who joked about the California fires and the other guy who cracked wise on the 7-year old English abductee Madeline McCann. Not funny. Nevertheless, it was a greeeeat time---being part of an audience that small is experiential. People shout things and change the shape of the performance, and in a way, you feel like everyone in the room is on stage. It's exciting and fresh, it's in your face in a way that tv and movie can't match. And more than anything, it was worth a good laugh.
Yesterday was a particularly hard day for me at work, and I didn't realize how in need of a laugh I was. But I was in STITCHES the entire time!! Now, despite the bar's name, the guys I was with--Brian my housemate and his friends--warned me not to let on to anyone that I was American. I soon learned why, when the first comedian asked the audience who was from where and a girl shouted "Chicago!" and got RAILED on for the next 45 mins. It was hilarious.....but I'm glad it wasn't me!
There was a sketch comedy troupe who put a balloon up on stage and disappeared. A few minutes later the Chariots of Fire song came over the speakers, and from the back of the room three guys started in running toward the balloon in slow motion........in sperm-shaped hats. The sperm guys slow-motioned through the room, and just made it to the stage when the music cut out and a woman walked on stage, kicking them off and protecting the balloon. "NO, no, feck off, not tonight, off you get. Go on! Go on!" Her shirt said "Morning After Pill" on it.
I was in stitches for that, but there were others that missed the mark, like the guy who joked about the California fires and the other guy who cracked wise on the 7-year old English abductee Madeline McCann. Not funny. Nevertheless, it was a greeeeat time---being part of an audience that small is experiential. People shout things and change the shape of the performance, and in a way, you feel like everyone in the room is on stage. It's exciting and fresh, it's in your face in a way that tv and movie can't match. And more than anything, it was worth a good laugh.
i understand what you mean about needing to laugh. The other day i hung out with jenica and i never noticed until then how much i needed to have a good laugh. It is the one thing that can really brighten, and lighten me up a bit. Sounds like a fun night.
ReplyDeletei want that guinness poster!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work.
ReplyDelete