Judging but the large Irish contigent in the audience Des Bishop is pretty popular in his homeland, Ireland. Des takes to the stage with consumate ease. He is a confident, alpha male like speaker with the courage of his convictions. This is useful considering the rowdier sections of the audience.
Des is originally from New York and his lingering American accent serves to enhance his authoriy. In fact, during the course of this show he successfully traverses his American, Irish and even Australian experiences. The election of Barack Obama provides a jumping off point for Des, and his passion on the subject makes him seem almost preacher like.
Don’t get me wrong though, he is certainly not all sincerity, there are plenty of laughs to this comedian including a scenario about getting blow jobs from Leprechauns and a very funny World Vision ad for the Irish.
At the crux of his show seems to be a message about fighting the machismo that retards the free expression of emotion, particularly for men. There are times when he comes over a bit more like a motivational speaker. For example telling us that he used to have a drinking problem and later informing us that he’s been sober for thirteen years. On the bare face of it this is just a fact, but following it there was an implicit awkwardness in which the audience didn’t know whether or not to indulge in sycophantic applause, Dr Phil style. In Des’s defence he does recognise this notion, and what further saves him is the absolute sincerity behind his words.
Overall this is a funny, enertaining show from a easily likeable comedian.
For more info and booking details go to Des Bishop Desfunctional