Limerick Post catches up with Monaghan born comic Oliver Callan on the morning of Budget Day to chat about his upcoming show at UCH this weekend.
Oliver Callan’s stage show and ‘Callan’s Kicks’ on Radio One are therapy for everyone who is sick of politicians, broken promises and hypocrisy.
We are straight into the bread and butter of Callan’s comedy and impersonations. He sees this budget as the Government’s best and only chance to get the electorate back onside after the PR disasters of Irish Water.
“They’re going to feel like this Budget is going to rescue them. They’ll feel like Little Sue the pig in the Vodaphone advert that escapes from its free range pork farm,” he laughs.
We move swiftly on from the subject of politicians and pigs to talk about the new series of ‘Callan’s Kicks’ just started on Radio One.
“The Radio show was back in time for The Budget and runs all the way to Christmas. A budget into an election is all primary fodder for comedy.”
A change of government can sometimes mean a mimic has to bin all his favourite impressions as new faces take the helm. A government in situ for a few terms is likened to having characters as familiar as the cast of Friends in the Dáil.
“Yeah, then an election comes and they are all heaved out and new characters come in.
“So it will be really good for comedy if Enda Kenny gets another five years.”
Callan’s new stage show is not all about politics, he is keen to stress. Expect to meet impressions of Rachel Allen, Bruce Springsteen and Imelda May. It is a more theatrical production than his last tour with more backdrops and props.
“I’m looking like Imelda May’s slightly obese twin, very scary just in time for Hallowe’en. You don’t want people to think they are coming to a boring night of intrinsic angry political jibes so you have to have people like Imelda May and Marty Morrissey in there too. All those characters who are all sweetness in real life are great to send up it brings light to the dark elements of the satire.”
Of course for the Limerick show expect to see plenty of Minister for Finance Michael Noonan and Willie O’Dea. Callan’s impressions and outspoken topical routines do land him in trouble occasionally. His depiction of President Michael D. Higgins led to accusations of bullying for his portrayal of Higgins’ physical appearance.
“When people laugh at the impression of Michael D, it is not out of disrespect for the man.”
Does Callan ever worry about getting sued for his comedy, most of which is based on the lives of real people in the public eye?
“I am a constant complainer about the defamation laws in this country. They are just ridiculous. The defamation laws are far too tight. You have to bear in mind people’s good reputation but when you are doing something surreal, when you are making ridiculous scenarios using sound production on radio or whatever it makes it a very tricky legal area. You have to be extremely careful. I think it ruins the fun and I think it is a big problem in the country.”
For Oliver Callan’s live show, he has a lot more creative freedom to tear up the script and really cut loose.
“Yes, there is no Executive Director staring down at you, plus when you get into the room and the atmosphere of a crowd is up for a bit of fun on a Saturday night you can tear up your own script often as well. We should call it the Letting Rip Tour.”
Oliver Callan performs at University Concert Hall, Limerick this Saturday October 25.
