Review: Death of a Comedian at Lyric Theatre :

A new play by Belfast’s critically acclaimed Owen McCafferty has had it’s world premiere at the Lyric Theatre.

Death of a Comedian, is a powerful and deliciously dark comic story about the price of success in the world of stand-up comedy,  and will run at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast before taking to the stage in Dublin and London.

Brian Doherty (Casualty, Law and Order and Raw) is Steve Johnston, a standup comedian on the cusp of success who could gain everything he wants, but may lose everything he has.

Set across 4 separate stand-up gigs Brian is joined on the Danske Bank stage by his girlfriend played by actress Katie McGuinness ( Doctors, Inspector Lewis and Hotel Babylon) and his agent played by Shaun Dingwell (Breathless, Agatha Christie: Poirot, and Doctor Who). The angel and the devil.

This is an outstanding performance by Brian Doherty. His stand-up scenes are fantastic and funny. He really could have a career in stand up comedy, if the moral of the story has not put him off.

It’s a sad tale of the behind the scene success of a comedian who’s life is changed by agents, sell out tours and dvd performances. The life and sacrifices of a modern day showbiz comedian who is insecure in his ability to make people laugh, but every night has to perform and put on a mask to entertain.

Brian Docherty’s voice, style and content changed with the TV showbiz lifestyle. I could relate to many “Live in the Apollo” type comedians. I was really impressed with the transformation in each stand-up performance. The stage really did get bigger and bigger.

I really enjoyed tonight’s performance. Rating 8/10

Death of a Comedian runs on the Danske Bank Stage at the Lyric Theatre until Sunday 8th March. Tickets, which range from £10 – £24.50, can be booked online at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or through the box office on 028 90381081.

'Death of a comedian' @LyricBelfast on now well worth a watch. Go see.

— Chris Brown (@CB_PRandPA) February 11, 2015

@KevFreeburn @LyricBelfast really enjoyed it. Mades you really think about comedy and the commercialisation of the art form too.

— Sinead Doyle (@SineadDoyle) February 11, 2015

#Deathofacomedian opening night @LyricBelfast pic.twitter.com/yeu6E6rwlM

— LyricTheatre Belfast (@LyricBelfast) February 11, 2015