Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category

Review: Neil Delamere at University Concert Hall

Sunday, December 9th, 2007

I went with a few friends to see Neil Delamere in the Concert Hall in UL last Friday. Having seen him several times on The Panel, I was looking forward to his stand-up show.

As a comedian, his show is based on a lot of audience interaction and he creatively builds his witticisms on the audience’s responses. As a light entertainer, Delamere is among the very best. While he did try to touch upon some topical subjects, he never delved deep enough to make the audience really think about the world outside. You get the feeling that he is at his very best when he has another professional comedian to interact with, just like he has on The Panel, and that a general audience isn’t enough to stretch his comedic abilities.

The show itself lasted just over an hour – an hour in which time seemed to fly. Overall, it was an enjoyable night, definitely worth the price of admission. However, on leaving the auditorium there was a sense that Delamere has a lot more to offer and I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed that I hadn’t the chance to see him at his best.

When all is said and done though, I’d go to see his life show again, but I think that I’d prefer to see The Panel live.

By the way, despite the fact that I work around the corner from the UCH, it was my first time at a gig there. It’s an amazing facility, right on my doorstep, and I will be going back.

DVD Review: Dave Gormans Googlewhack Adventure

Thursday, December 6th, 2007

I’ve spent over a decade of my life working in bars. That’s just under one third of my life listening to people telling stories. Some stories have been funny, some have been sad, and some have been, well, just crap. Some storytellers told their tales with energy and verve, some have had the timing of a one armed guitar player.

Dave Gorman is a great storyteller. And he has a great story to tell. As he says himself, his comedy has a plot, and it’s a plot that you’ll want watch right to the end. From the seemingly most absurd situations to the most touching emotional states, his is a story worth watching. I won’t give away the plot, but I will say this. Get it, watch it, and laugh. You’ll be glad you did!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Released

Monday, July 23rd, 2007

For all the Potter fans the last book in the series was released on Saturday morning. Easons in Limerick had a launch party, which by all accounts was pretty spectacular. One of my friends attended to get her hands on a copy, and I haven’t seen her since.

Limerick Blogger has photos of the Easons Party.

Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows Dust Jacket

Thursday, March 29th, 2007

I know some people are going to laugh at this while others will be thrilled. But for better or worse, here it is. The dust jacket for the final Harry Potter book.

Enjoy or ignore at your will.


Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Dust Jacket

Click the image to enlarge.

Book Review: Hannibal Pride of Carthage

Monday, February 5th, 2007

Over the last few months I’ve developed a fascination with ancient history: Ancient Greece, the city states of Sparta & Athens, and most of all Ancient Rome. Specifically anything to do with the Roman Republic and it’s transition to the Roman Empire. I’ve been devouring any and all books I can get my hands on. On one hand it’s amazing to read about real people such as Pompey, Julius Caeser, Cicero, Scipio, Cato, etc., and on the other hand it seems almost too fantastic to be true. These events which shaped Western Civilisation happened in a time so removed from human memory, that they’ve become legends.

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Book Review: The Book of General Ignorance

Friday, January 12th, 2007

“The Book of General Ignorance” is a spin-off of the BBC comedy show QI, a show which prides itself on being intellectual and educational as well as funny. While I don’t have BBC where I live, I do try to catch it whenever I can. The basic idea behind the show is that accepted wisdom is regularly incorrect, and that people in general are far more ignorant than they believe.

Hosted by the erudite Stephen Fry and backed up the less erudite, but equally comedic Alan Davies, QI stands out from the usual quiz based comedy shows.

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