Free Comedy Combats Recession with Laughter and Positive Action
February 06, 2012
Ireland's financial woes are no laughing matter. But in the midst of the doom, gloom and emigration, two Irish comedians are touring the country in a totally new way, hoping to combat the recession with humour, optimism and positive action.
"Stand-Up Against the Banks" is the brainchild of Aidan Killian and Abie Philbin Bowman. Aidan is a former banker, with the once prestigious (now disgraced) Bear Stearns. In 2007, Aidan saw the writing on the wall, and decided to do something he believed in.
He left the job, still carrying a huge mortgage for a house in Florida he has never seen. With his understanding of how banks had cheated the system, Aidan turned the tables, and forced the bank to accept their liability for the property. This story forms a key part of his comedy set.
Abie Philbin Bowman has been writing and touring activist comedy since 2006, when he took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm with Jesus: The Guantanamo Years. Abie's one-man comedies have since toured from Hollywood, LA to Lahore, Pakistan (during a State of Emergency). He's had run-ins with the Ku Klux Klan, Al Qaeda & Ian Paisley's DUP.
Abie studied non-violent protest strategies, while completing a Master's in International Peace Studies. His final Thesis explored the effectiveness of comedy as a weapon of protest. It was called, How Many Comedians Does It Take to Change a Government? "Comedy is a great way to communicate a message," he explains. "It cuts through spin and it can spread like wildfire".
Both comedians are part of a generation caught between emigration and negative equity. Abie recalls that, while pursuing his comedy dream, he was unable to buy or rent a house, and remained living at home with his parents. He remembers turning on the radio the day the financial crisis broke.
"It was awful: people were in negative equity, losing their jobs, facing repossession... Then, at some point, I realised: 'I don't own a house. I'm not in negative equity. And I'm pretty sure nobody can outsource my job to China'. Somehow, I'd gone to bed, a textbook loser... and woken up, an economic genius".
Despite their lucky escapes, both comedians are still affected by the financial crisis. "For one thing," Abie says "most of our audience has emigrated." The two stand-ups performed at last year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival with shows tackling Ireland's financial crisis. They got a string of rave reviews.
"It's easy to feel powerless," explains Abie. "Every time you spend money, you're paying tax, which is used to bail out the banks and pay off the IMF... But nobody can tax barter, or generosity or trust."
So the two comics decided to put their trust in the Irish people, and devised a new way of touring, without supporting the bailout. "Stand-Up Against the Banks is free to the public," explains Aidan. "If you haven't got any spare cash, you're still welcome to enjoy the show."
They will pass a hat at the end of the night to accept tax-free donations. But these don't have to be in cash. The comics haven't booked any accommodation for the tour. "We're hoping that some punters will be able to offer us a meal or a spare bed to sleep in."
One of the rules is that they can only keep touring for as long as the donations pay for petrol, suppliers etc. "Goodwill and decency is more important than profits. That said, we'd better make sure our jokes are damn funny, or we might end up sleeping in the car, eating nettle soup."
At a time when popular revolutions are sweeping the Arab world, the Greek people have taken to the streets and Occupy Wall Street has become a worldwide phenomenon, the Irish have remained relatively silent. Why is there no Irish equivalent of Tahrir Square? Abie suggests: "We just don't have the weather for it."
"But seriously," interjects Aidan "there has been an Irish Occupy." Both comics have performed benefit gigs for the Occupy Movement in Cork, Dublin and elsewhere. Through his studies, Abie is became aware of writers like Gene Sharp and Saul Alinsky, whose ideas on effective non-violent tactics have been hugely influential in movements from the Tea Party to the Arab Spring.
"Those kids in Tunisia and Egypt really did their homework. Our job is to take those same ideas and strategies, and apply them to Ireland... and, of course, to make people laugh."
Stand-Up Against the Banks
with Aidan Killian and Abie Philbin Bowman
Anseo, Camden Street, Dublin 2
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Alice's Restaurant, Main Street, Naas Thursday, February 9, 2012
Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey, Donegal Saturday, February 11, 2012
After five years of touring, great reviews and sold out shows, I've finally worked out a way for people who haven't seen my comedy - usually for geographic reasons - to see all my live shows, whenever they want to (assuming they want to, which may be presumptuous).
I thought about going to each of their living rooms & performing solo for 3 & a half hours - but that seemed impractical. And VERY presumptuous...
So my new plan is to record all 3 shows in Dublin, in October, before a live audience, film them properly, and then edit them into DVD form, for your general amusement.
I hope that by offering the DVDs at a reasonable price, enough people will pre-order them (now) to let me pay the camera crew & sound guy for 6 nights filming, editing & production.
If you'd like to see the shows & get your name in the credits, possibly as 'Superhero in Residence' or 'Head Octopus Trainer', all of the relevant info is here...
Pope Benedict has a creepy German accent, a priceless art collection & diplomatic immunity. His real name is ‘Cardinal Ratzinger’. And he’s the head of a sinister organisation, hell-bent on World Domination.
This year's Edinburgh show explores why Catholic Europe (Ireland, Spain & Italy) is being bailed out by Protestant Europe (Germany, the UK & Scandanavia)? Is the Vatican plotting to impoverish us, so we return to God? And why has James Bond never been sent undercover in Northern Ireland? You Won’t Be Told Twice…
“A wonderful exhibition of satire” - Richard Dawkins
“Provocative and brilliantly witty hour on religion and economic meltdown.” **** - The List
"Fantastic material for a comedian with the intelligence, energy and wit to go after the really good jokes. Philbin Bowman is that comedian".**** - The Skinny
“Risky, edgy... with respect, humour and a megawatt personality... A highly confident performer, Philbin Bowman kept his set zipping along, with natural charm... Nobody does it better.” - Fringe Guru
“Truly original… If you like Mark Steel or Mark Thomas you’ll love Abie... The most insightful show on the Fringe.” **** - NerdCubed
“Up-to-the-minute, painfully relevant satire.” **** - The Scotsman
I'm touring my latest Hollywood & Edinburgh show to some wonderful, independent theatres around Ireland in early 2011.
As usual, I've written a lot of jokes about things we're not really supposed to discuss - like bisexuality, racism and monogamy. Joking about this stuff in front of strangers in London and Los Angeles is actually not too embarrassing.
Joking about this stuff in Ireland, in front of people I know and will have to look in the eyes again... Let's just say, I wanted to be very sure of my material. And I am now. But I'm sure there'll be a few surprises.
Given recent events, there'll probably be plenty of topical material as well.
I'm also bringing Eco-Friendly Jihad to a few new locations. Full dates and details below - and on the Gigs page.
But first, some info on...
Sex, Lies & The KKK
The night Barack Obama was elected US President, Abie Philbin Bowman exclusively interviewed the Ku Klux Klan. He gave them plenty of rope, and let them lynch themselves.
Direct from Los Angeles, Edinburgh and a sell-out run at the ABSOLUT Fringe: Sex, Lies & the KKK asks: “was Jesus mixed-race?” "Are we all bisexual?" And: “is the Pope the ultimate Bond Villain?”
“Abie Philbin Bowman deserves a comic sainthood”
- The Stage
“With his rapid-fire delivery, wit and taste for paradox, he calls to mind both Swift's Modest Proposal and Robin Williams” - LA Weekly
DATE ---------- VENUE -------------------- SHOW --------- BOX OFFICE
Jan 8 ---------- Mill Theatre, Dundrum --- SEX ------------ 01 296 9340
Jan 15 & 22 -- Moat Theatre, Kildare --- JIHAD & SEX -- 045 883 030
Jan 28 & 29 -- Venue Theatre, Ratoath JIHAD & SEX -- 01 6895600
Feb 11 & 12 -- Roisin Dubh, Galway ---- JIHAD & SEX -- 091 586 540
Feb 15 – 19 -- Civic Theatre, Tallaght --- SEX (all week) - 01 462 7460
Mar 23 & 24 -- Granary Theatre, Cork -- JIHAD & SEX --- 021 490 4275
Mar 25 -------- The Source, Thurles ---------------- SEX --- 05 049 0204
April 1 --------- Dunamaise Centre, Port Laoise --- SEX --- 057 866 3355
April 7, 8, 9 --- Draiocht, Blanchardstown --------- SEX---- 01 885 2610
Tickets should be 14 euro or thereabouts (concession rates vary). Hope to see you there.
The Sunday Times Culture section has just published a feature on Ireland's Top 30 Artists Under 30. They were kind enough to include me and put me on the cover. I hugely appreciate the recognition.
That said, I'm always a little wary about taking magazine lists too seriously. Perhaps because, during my time in The Dubliner, I saw how they were put together. So I'm flattered, and appreciate it. But I also think any list of top Irish artists in inherently arbitrary and subjective.
The Cover shot also features songwriter Lisa O'Neill & author, Kevin Power.
Saying 'No' to Smart Women & Being Mocked by the Edinburgh Fringe
August 18, 2010
I can’t say ‘no’ to smart women. When my friend Louisa invited me to her August wedding, I said I wouldn’t miss it for the world. When my promoter Emily booked my Fringe venue, she advised I take only one day off. “Of course” I said. Then I rememberd Louisa was getting married in rural Ireland.
The Edinburgh Fringe has a way of mocking you, personally. I catch three shows on Friday, each with it’s own take-home message. My own show, ‘Sex, Lies and the KKK’ at 1pm, argues that human beings aren’t naturally monogamous. (If you don’t belive me, read more books.) Then, at 2.30, Ivor Dembina’s new show asks me to contemplate my life, and think of something I regret. While researching 'Eco-Friendly Jihad' I realised what my constant travel was doing to the planet. I should really cut down.
At 4.40, I watch Mark Allen’s sublime, ‘Go Slow’ in which he challenges audiences to fight against the ever-accelerating pace of life. Relax. Enjoy yourself. Don’t rush about so much. He’s so right, I think, as I run to the airport bus to catch a short-haul flight back to Dublin, drive home, eat, sleep, eat and drive to the country church where Louisa’s committing to one man for the rest of her life.
My Fringe brain is still switched on when the priest starts going off on tangents about his CD collection, and his school days spent cross-dressing in Gilbert and Sullivan operas. It’s the most well-observed character comedy I’ve seen in ages. In my head, I give it five stars. Alas, it was a one off performance, and the venue is really out of the way. But that’s the Edinburgh Fringe for you.
The weirdest gig I ever did in Edinburgh was an ‘Eco-Friendly, Black-Tie Dinner’ for the Princes’ Trust. I know. It was in a posh hotel, and most of the guests were business leaders fishing for ethically-farmed, Fair Trade Knighthoods.
I’d been asked to perform a condensed version of my solo show, ‘Eco-Friendly Jihad’. The premise was that we can radically reduce carbon emissions by joining Al Qaeda. Who else can save the planet from airlines, oil companies and overpopulation? It wasn’t the most obvious choice.
I was brought on during desert. I opened by reassuring the diners that - despite being Irish - I’m the proud owner of a Prince Charles teapot. It never reigns, but it pours. The gig went downhill from there. A third of the audience were half-listening. The rest were chatting amongst themselves.
As I was plodding through, I noticed a bald head making a slightly tipsy journey through the assembled diners. Next thing I knew, Gail Porter had marched on stage, seized my microphone and started swearing at her fellow guests.
The general gist, minus expletives, was “this guy’s really funny and he’s saying something important. So shut up and stop being so bloody ignorant.” The room was shocked into silence. Gail smiled. She handed me back the mike.
Cautiously, I re-started my set from the beginning. This time, I had everyone’s full attention. After a minute or two the crowd really got behind me, and by the time I finished with a musical number they were clapping and singing along. I walked off and gave Gail a huge hug.
For the rest of the evening, everyone I spoke to said exactly the same thing. “You were funny, mate. But that Gail Porter... who does she think she is?” I have no idea who Gail Porter thinks she is. But since that night, she’s been my personal hero.
I'm having a fantastic time at the Brighton Fringe Festival, doing 5 different projects. The easiest way to keep up with various adventures is on Twitter/Facebook: @AbiePB / Abie Philbin Bowman.
Alternatively, here are a couple of articles from local paper, 'The Argus'.
Audiences so far have been incredibly warm and welcoming. Here's hoping the world premier of 'Sex, Lies and the KKK' and 'Bisexual Atheists', performing alongside the fantastic Magnus Betner, are as well received.
Truly bizarre news. The central premise of 'Eco-Friendly Jihad' has just been endorsed by Osama bin Laden.
Seriously.
The latest audiotape from bin Laden (released Jan 29th, 2010) blames climate change on the US and other Western nations. According to Associated Press, the Al Qaeda leader has called for "the world to boycott American goods and the US dollar, blaming the United States and other industrialised countries for global warming."
I'm kinda skeptical about statements 'from Osama bin Laden'. AP reports that "the tape's authenticity could not be independently confirmed, but the voice resembled that of bin Laden on messages known to be from him." It's possible that this statement is coming from another Al Qaeda spokesperson, claiming to represent Osama. Either way, some very nasty people are now seriously making the case which I performed satrically in 'Eco-Friendly Jihad'.
So far no-one has is asking the critical question. If Al Qaeda are serious about reducing carbon emissions, why have they repeatedly bombed public transport?
I can understand people being angry about Guantánamo, Iraq or Palestine. Most of my friends are. But I don't understand why anyone thinks they can help the children of Palestine by bombing a commuter train in London. That's like trying to remove mice from your kitchen by flying to Botswana to shoot a giraffe. It's moronic.
As someone who grew up in Ireland in the 1980s, I am convinced that terrorism doesn't work. I've heard people say, "of course terrorism works... look at Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness. They used to be in the IRA and now they're in Government."
True. They're in Her Majesty's Government... of Great Britain and Northern Ireland... as junior partners to the DUP. That's like Osama bin Laden leaving Al Qaeda to become Sarah Palin's running mate.
[For the record, Sarah Palin has a lot more in common with Osama bin Laden than I do. They may disagree on foreign policy, but they both support banning gay marriage, bringing God into the classroom, and increasing access to guns. Palin/bin Laden 2012? You read it here first.]
Let me be clear. I don't hate America. Some of my shows criticise aspects of American foreign policy - most of my American friends do the same thing. But how many of us want to live in a world dominated by China? Or Russia? Or Iran? Personally, I'd like to live in a world run by a coalition of Holland, Sweden, Canada and New Zealand... but I'm not holding my breath.
Finally, there is a remote possibility that someone in Al Qaeda randomly came across my show on the internet - while googling 'Jihad' or something - and that this gave someone the idea for "Bin Laden's" latest statement. It seems pretty unlikely, although the show did crop up in some far flung places (The Seoul Times described it as "contemporary and controversial".) And there's been a lot of extra web traffic ahead of the upcoming tour. Maybe someone in Al Qaeda reads 'The Kilkenny People'?
I used to presume that Al Qaeda hadn't the remotest interest in artists, performers or cultural commentators. But their latest statement quotes Noam Chomsky. Also, the 2008 World Performing Arts Festival in Pakistan (where I was invited to return, with 'Eco-Friendly Jihad') was bombed by Islamic militants, who disapproved of its openness to foreign cultures.
So maybe Al Qaeda do pay attention to culture. At any rate, I think we can safely say we're winning the war on terror if the best they can do is to rip off ideas from a smart arsed Dublin comedian.
2010 is already looking like a bold, ambitious and slightly crazy year. In that spirit, I'm planning to perform three solo shows - ‘Jesus: The Guantanamo Years’, 'Eco-Friendly Jihad' and a new production, 'Sex, Lies & the KKK' - at Fringe Festivals in Brighton (UK) and Hollywood (USA) this summer. In August, I'll be taking 'Sex, Lies & the KKK' to Edinburgh. I'm also planning to teach comedy/one-man show workshops at all three festivals. Roll on summer.
There are also tentative plans afoot to perform double-billed shows in Brighton and Edinburgh alongside one of Europe's most talented and successful comedians. Can't reveal his identity yet, as we're still confirming details, but watch this space.
Following the success of last term's comedy workshops at Big Smoke Writing Factory, I'll be teaching another 10 week course, on Friday evenings, from 6.30 to 8.30, starting on January 29. Details to follow, but if you're interested in registering, the sign up is here.
with Father Jack at the Galway Comedy Festival, October 2009
"No Vietcong Ever Called Me Nigger" at the Galway Comedy Festival
October 22, 2009
Where were you the night Barack Obama was elected? Abie Philbin Bowman was on the independent radio station i102-104, interviewing the Ku Klux Klan. “Given that Jesus’s mother was a Palestinian Jew, and his Father was God, doesn’t that make Jesus mixed-race?”
Inspired by Muhammad Ali’s famous anti-Vietnam rallying cry, “No Vietcong Ever Called Me Nigger” is the latest comedy show from Abie Philbin Bowman, the writer and performer of international sell-out hits ‘Jesus: The Guantanamo Years’ and ‘Eco-Friendly Jihad’.
A unique perspective on sex, bigotry and the audacity of hope from the only Western stand-up stupid enough to perform religious, political comedy in Pakistan during the 2007 State of Emergency.
Roisin Dubh, Sunday, Oct 25, @ 6pm
Tickets: €10
"Way beyond superficial satire... Absorbing, challenging and highly entertaining."
- TimeOut
“One of Ireland's most thought-provoking comedians."
Teaching Stand-Up from Club Set to One-Person Show
August 29, 2009
In the next few months, I’m going to be teaching a range of classes on how to perform stand-up comedy, how to write a one-person show, and how to handle media and marketing as a performer. I personally believe, that – whatever your profession – the skills of a stand-up can be applied in numerous ways throughout your personal and professional life. I also think that, if you’re a comedian or an actor, writing and touring a one-person show is a great way to take control of your own career. It ends your dependence on casting directors and comedy club owners, leaving you free to tour venues and festivals across the country and the world under your own steam. Writing and touring 'Jesus: The Guantanamo Years', is certainly the best professional decision I’ve ever made.
It’s funny how these things come about. I used to teach creative writing at the Irish Centre for Talented Youth and absolutely loved it. I even did a stint as a guest lecturer to Masters’ students in Pakistan. And I’ve been doing comedy, and developing, marketing and touring one-man shows for over three years now. Occasionally, I found myself thinking “I’d really love to teach this stuff” but I never found the time to organise it. (Instead, I just offered unwanted advice to other comedians). Then, in the last few months, I was asked by four separate organisations to teach classes in comedy. So I said yes. Here’s what I’ll be doing.
Starting on September 2nd, Aidan Killian is running a six-week workshop on how to become a stand-up comic in a month. I’ll be taking one of the classes (Sept 14th). Full details here. Contact: aidan@laughoutloud.ie
From September 18th-21st, a Portuguese actor and teacher, Leandro Morgado, will be doing an intensive weekend on how to write a one-person show. I’ll be conducting the final session, focusing on marketing, media and tackling the Edinburgh Fringe. For more details, contact: workshops4comedy@gmail.com
Starting on October 2nd, I’ll be teaching a comprehensive 10-week course, entitled: Stand Up Comedy: From ‘Open Spot’ to One-Person Show. It will run on Friday evenings, from 6:30 to 8:30pm. It’s being run by the Big Smoke Writing Factory – an exciting new teaching co-operative, set up by experienced writing teachers (one of whom, Yvonne Cullen, I’ve worked with in the past, and think the world of).You can find more details and book online here. Contact: bigsmokewritingfactory@gmail.com
And on the weekend of October 10th/11th, I’ll be conducting an intensive weekend on how to write and market a one-person show, at the Irish Writers Centre. Full details here. To book, contact: info@writerscentre.ie
I personally hate messages which say “book early to avoid disappointment”. They’re usually posted by crap events which want you to book early before you change your mind. However, all these classes will, by their nature, be relatively small. So, in all probability, they will either fill up fast, or – if there isn’t enough interest – they won’t go ahead.
So if you really are interested in attending, contact me or someone else as soon as possible, to make sure that the class goes ahead, and that we can fit you in.
The Flat Lake Festival, Co. Monaghan (sharing a stage with Cillian Murphy)
August 06, 2009
On August 15th, I'll be performing an improved and up-dated version of 'Eco-Friendly Jihad' at the fabulous Flat Lake Festival in Co. Monaghan. Here's the line-up in the 'Butty Barn'
I did a stand-up set on religion and science at the Leviathan Cabaret in the new Science Gallery in Trinity College this evening.
For the uninitiated, Leviathan is a cabaret evening which brings together film-makers, politicians, commentators, comedians, song-writers and the public to explore issues of the day. Typically, there’s an amusing musical section, a short film or animated sequence, a stand-up comedian and a main panel discussion with comments from the floor.
In possibly the nerdiest milestone of my career (so far), tonight’s stand-up performance makes me the first person in Leviathan’s history to contribute separately as a musician, comedian and panellist. Back in my song-writing days I performed some satirical numbers alongside a group called ‘White Cholera’. And in 2007, I was invited onto a panel alongside the Director of the Israeli Government Press Office Daniel Seaman and Delegate-General of Palestine to Ireland, Dr. Hikmat Ajjuri. We were debating whether the Irish media is biased about the Middle East.
For some reason, this makes the geeky/trivia side of my brain very happy.
Tonight’s event – on the subject ‘Is Religion Infectious?’ – was brilliantly chaired by the BBC’s William Crawley who injected considerable humour, knowledge and mischief into the discussion without ever becoming more important than his guests. These included Mick Nugent of Atheists Ireland; an intriguing young theologian named Gerard Rory, and the head of the Irish Church of Scientology. I opened the show with a 20 minute stand-up set on the subject of religion and science.
Highlights of the evening included the Head of Scientology Ireland incorrectly explaining the origin of the word ‘Scientology’, and Mick Nugent’s defence of Richard Dawkins: ‘Militant Muslims Fly Planes into Buildings; Militant Christians Bomb Abortion Clinics; Militant Atheists Write Books’.
I graduated today with an M.Phil in Peace Studies. My thesis – on the effectiveness of political comedy – was called ‘How Many Comedians Does it Take to Change a Government?’
To be honest, the fun part of doing a Masters is engaging with new ideas, reading obscure books and arguing in seminars. Graduation is just a dull ritual in Harry Potter costumes. Part of me wishes that I’d studied theology or astrophysics so that I could call myself a ‘Master of Divinity’ or a 'Master of the Universe'. I think ‘Master of Peace’ sounds like the lame one from Captain Planet.
After six months hosting their main talk show, I've left i105-107. We had some great times together but ultimately we were just too different. It just wasn't meant to be. So the time has come for us to hear other people.
But we'll always have the memories - the conversations with the World Pillow Fight champion (Carmen Monoxide), the April Fools jokes played on politicians and the Weird and Wacky Stories ("Man with 14 Birds stuffed Down his Trousers" and other favourites). Probably my most enduring memory was speaking to the Ku Klux Klan the night America elected its first mixed race President - Barack Obama. I asked the Klan if having a Palestinian Jewish mother and a Divine Father meant that Jesus was also mixed race. I'll post an MP3 of their response soon.
For now, I'll be taking some time off. I literally went from performing two one-man shows at Edinburgh, into writing a 20,000 word Masters Thesis on Political Comedy, into six months on radio, 3 hours a day, five days a week. So really need a holiday. But I have several ideas for my next project, so watch this space.
April Fools' Day is my favourite holiday - the only one that's still free of pointless cards, family obligations and seasonally themed romcoms. Instead it's all about taking the piss out of those you love.
Today, we informed listeners that G20 protestors in London had burnt a giant effigy of Noel Edmunds, alongside the slogan - 'G20: Deal or No Deal - the Banker's Next!'(I'm slightly ashamed that I've seen enough 'Deal or No Deal' to have come up with that).
While interviewing former Green Party Leader and Minister of State, Trevor Sargent, I asked him to comment on news that Jeremy Clarkson was supporting anti-Lisbon group Libertas...
To mark the historic inauguration of Barack Obama, i105-107 was rebranded 'Obama FM'. Pat the Baker made special 'Barn Baracks' - because Pat the Baker is way cooler than Joe the Plumber.
From today, I'll be presenting the main talk show on i105-107. The station was launched last night by Tommy Tiernan and Hector O'Heochagain who'll present their own talk show every Friday.
My show 'The Third i' - a mix of politics, comedy, opinion and topicality - will be broadcast from 1pm - 4pm every weekday, throughout the Midlands and North East - or, as we're affectionately referring to it, 'The Middle East'. It will be repeated at 1am. (You can listen live at www.i105107.ie).
Our first show features an interview with the legendary broadcaster and journalist Jon Snow, who's a personal hero of mine.
Obviously, planning and presenting a 3 hour show, five days a week will take a lot of my time, but I will still be performing live comedy at every opportunity.
Feedback on, or suggestions for, the show are always welcome. Contact Abie@i105107.ie
Interviewing the Ku Klux Klan on the Night of Barack Obama's Election Victory
November 05, 2008
I love elections the way sports fans love major finals. To prepare for my up-coming job, hosting a daily talk show on i105-107, I presented a US election special on their sister station, i102-104. 'Out for the Count with Abie Philbin Bowman' took it's title from an Irish election special which my late brother Jonathan hosted on a Dublin radio show back in 1997.
It was an honour and a joy to cover this historic election on air. It was also impossible to compete with the huge budgets, graphics and correspondents of the World's biggest media organisations - CNN, ABC, BBC, Sky etc. We actually had CNN on screen outside the studio. Since the fiasco of Gore/Bush in 2000, US networks are wary of calling the election too early, so we actually called it for Obama - based on their figures - long before they did (c. 2.45 am Irish time).
We did manage one scoop over the big boys, by interviewing the National Membership Director of an organisation which has fought this day for over 100 years - the Ku Klux Klan.
'Eco-Friendly Jihad' and 'Jesus: TGY' Sold Out at the Edinburgh Fringe
August 09, 2008
Am having a blast at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - where both Eco-Friendly Jihad and Jesus: The Guantanamo Years have already enjoyed sold out performances. Both shows are in the Underbelly @ 15.55 (Jesus on Tuesdays, Jihad on Wednesdays through Sundays).
In addition to my own shows, I'm performing at a handful of others including Political Animal (Underbelly), Black and White Eco Ball (The Prince's Trust), Joke-e-oke (GRV), Calvin Wynters Late Lounge (C Venues), Festival of Spirituality and Peace (St John's), Spank (Underbelly) and Andrew Stanley's Comedy Mish Mash (Gilded Balloon).
Have also seen some fantastic other shows, including Dead Cat Bounce, Glenn Wool and Eleanor Tiernan.
I've just arrived in Edinburgh, to find that the US Army has sent me a birthday present - they're trying to become more eco-friendly. Read the real story here.
However, the Americans still have a long way to go before they become as eco-friendly as Al Qaeda. The US Army routinely flies troops and bombs half-way around the world, while Al Qaeda source their fighters locally, and walk bombs to their targets. Plus, I hate to say it, but suicide bombers are a lot more biodegradable. If you think about it, Al Qaeda is the ultimate example of 'Think Globally, Act Locally'.
Performing at Edinburgh Festival of Spirituality and Peace
July 16, 2008
While in Edinburgh for the annual Fringe Festival, I've been invited to contribute to a number of events organised by the Festival of Spritituality and Peace including their opening and closing ceremonies on August 3rd.
"Jesus" reaches iTunes Top 10 from Europe to Japan
May 05, 2008
Less than a month after its launch, 'Jesus: The Guantanamo Years' was in the Top 10 Comedy Albums downloaded on iTunes in half a dozen countries including the UK, Sweden, Holland, Italy, Finland, Belgium, Denmark and Japan.
You can read about it's success in Sweden here. You can listen to one scene from the show here:
In November 2007, I became the only Irish comedian stupid enough to perform a religious, political satire in a Muslim country, during a national state of emergency.
At the start of its Autumn Tour of Ireland Jesus: The Guantanamo Years was the target of a bomb scare in Belfast. PSNI Officers arrived to search the Black Box Theatre but apparently it was a pretty obvious hoax. I had no idea there was anything wrong until I came off stage after the show, an hour later.
The incident underlines what I'm saying on stage: that Christianity has been hijacked by people who completely misunderstand the teachings of Jesus. If you phone in a bomb warning, regardless of whether it's real or fake, you're breaking one of the 10 Commandments. Fortunately, on this occasion, the idiot in question was only guilty of bearing false witness, so I forgive him.
Earlier that week, DUP Councillor Christopher Stalford stated that the show was "in fairly bad taste” and encouraged people to boycott it. We had several frank exchanges of opinions on the airwaves, one of which you can listen to here...
A couple of hours after finishing the last Arts Theatre, show I made my debut at the legendary Comedy Store on July 9th 2007.
The Comedy Store Late Show bill included Frankie Boyle, Tom Stade, Ian Stone and John Bishop (MC). The gig was great, but not nearly as much fun as hanging out back-stage.
Some weeks in this job are a bit mind-blowing. In the space of five days I got to debut in a West End Theatre, and in London's legendary Comedy Store.
The Arts Theatre had placed a giant cross on the side of their building.
A huge thank you to all of my friends who came from far and near to see the show during the week. It added a very low-key college reunion/"this is your life" quality to the whole experience.
There's a lot of competition in the West End - most tourists are there for the big musicals, rather than for a one-man comic monologue about the place of religion in the War on Terror. Those who did come to the show gave their own verdicts.
I quite like Nizlopi's JCB Song - it's a bit sentimental maybe - but better than most of the crap in the charts. However, I was a little perturbed by the number of my fellow Trinity students who were getting very nostalgic for a working class childhood they had never had.
I wrote this parody for a gig in Trinity's Ed Burke Theatre, supporting the fantastic Colin Murphy.
If you wanna compare it to Nizlopi's original, it's available on iTunes, and you can watch the video here: