DVD Reviews

40 Myles On: A Night of Irish Comedy

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This is a 'celebration' of the work and humour of satirist Flann O'Brien, who is widely regarded by funnymen the world over as a kind of Irish comedy godfather. This DVD sees the likes of Jon Kenny, Barry Murphy, Kevin Gildea and the mighty Tommy Tiernan (who is still selling out more nights at a venue near you than Westlife). Filmed at Dublin's Vicar Street comedy hub, it's an off-the-wall collection of O'Brien's most inspired works, interpreted by comedians, actors and literature-loving folk who know how to crack a joke. Comedy is like the Eurovision for the Irish (well, circa 1992 anyway); we seem to squeeze out an almost unrelenting amount of the comically-gifted sort. Tommy Tiernan is a testament to that; Ed Byrne most certainly is not. The DVD includes some cool backstage footage with all the performers, as well as two Flann shorts starring David Kelly. This is a more than suitable gift for the disconcerting comedy fan in your life, who is still mourning the death of Bill Hicks.

Review by Mike Sheridan