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Dara Ó Briain, Touring review - a comic on tip-top form | reviews, news & interviews

Dara ó briain, touring review - a comic on tip-top form, the irishman's most personal show yet.

Some people learned how to make sourdough bread during the pandemic lockdown, while others discovered the joy of Zoom quizzes. Dara Ó Briain, on the other hand, wrote this brilliant show , So... Where Were We? , his most personal yet.

He starts with referencing the lockdown , but what follows isn't a slew of hack observations that have been sitting on the back burner for two years. Rather, in describing the agonies of homeschooling, it's to make a subtle point about how differently Irish and British people view our shared history, or when he talks about the knee surgery he underwent last year, it leads into lighthearted fare about the differences between walking sticks (functional) and canes (fancy) – but also a tart observation about the absurd lengths private doctors go to to avoid using the word “fat” about their patients.

For much of the two-and-a-half-hour show it follows the template Ó Briain laid down several shows ago, affectionate ribbing of the audience, landing on a wide range of subjects, going off at tangents and delivering flights of fancy as he talks about – among many other things – the perils of fame as the “moderately famous” host of Mock the Week , a family trip to Alton Towers and a magic toilet. And of course he does some excellent front-row work with, among others on the night I saw this show at G Live, a Heathrow safety worker, an Argos assistant and a housewife. Ó Briain's quick thinking makes this element of the show a blast – but IT workers, as always, get a pass...

In the second half of the evening, things shift a gear as master storyteller Ó Briain talks about his recent search for his biological mother – juxtaposing it with the surgical one for his undescended testicle when he was a teenager.

It's genuinely moving, but never mawkish as he flits in and out of the story about his birth mother to throw in some modern Irish history (its inhumane laws on adoption rights have only recently been changed) and several tiptop gags about monorchidism – including one that is alone worth the price of admission. And just so we've time to dab our eyes after the emotional rollercoaster of the second half, Ó Briain ends with his signature sweep of the audience chat earlier. A triumph.

• Dara Ó Briain is touring until 17 June 2023
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Dara O'Briain: So... Where Were We?- review

Renowned for his hugely successful hosting career, primarily for the previously long running favourite, Mock The Week , Dara O'Briain has been touring once again, to share his latest stand up routine with audiences of thousands globally. With a multitude of works in his repertoire, the hit comedian is now performing his show, Dara O'Briain: So... Where Were We? detailing a range of tales from preposterous to personal.

Using the whole two hours to his advantage, packing it to the brim with brilliance, Dara is welcomed to a rapturous applause, knowing that everyone is there only to spend that time with him. Reviewed at the Brighton Dome, the venue poses the perfect place for comedians to showcase their talents. Once tuned in to that thick Irish accent and linguistic nuances (eh and errs!), his act begins with some comparisons to previous audiences, and how reactions to certain routines (primarily Brexit, and British-specific content) are received around the world, from Canadians to Germans, testing the waters for our venue. Impossible not to mention the bizarre history-altering last few years we've all had, we hear about Dara's airport sprinting and tour cancelling events; then the fun of homeschooling his children too, teaching them to read.

When picking on some front rowers, a pair strategically placed between two empty seats on this occasion, Steve the site manager of a sea defence base on the Isle of Wight, and his IT sidekick mate Simon ended up being the perfect talking point for an eminently attacking hypothetical dolphin army, as Dara kicks imaginary torpedos at them... he can run with anything to make it ridiculously funny. With a psychologist and (evil) economist twin sisters behind, bringing their horticultural journalist friend along too, there is always a joke to made with these epic career choices. His rapid quick fire comebacks and sweary fillers keep viewers engaged, however mad the narrative.

Post-interval, it is the second half that really turns the show into something special. While beginning by telling us about his dodgy knee and various hilarious physiotherapy anecdotes, a segway into a large part of the performance detailing Dara's experience with being adopted - something many of us were likely not to have known. Discussing Irish adoption laws and the changes to these that have only very recently been implemented, it is fascinating to hear about the impact of these, particularly on someone who those watching admire. His storytelling becomes gripping, and even through the difficulty of discovery about his birth family, the seriousness is in blend meaning the honesty doesn't come without humour. Although you don't expect to come to a stand up gig to learn on your night out, this unique style of material gives an insight into the performer - their artistry and personal life - which draws you in, making you feel closer to the act and what it has to offer, an even nicer experience when they are as appreciative as Dara clearly is. Coming out (or not) and coming full circle with a mention of an earlier hyperbole from his mum about falling down a drain, there is a satisfying conclusion to round up the evening.

In all, Dara's new content is about more than just comedy in the best way possible. It's unsurprising that the masses continue to flock to see his work as it's a refreshing piece, with many major laugh-out-loud moments throughout - Dara O'Briain: So... Where Were We? is a memorable night of entertainment.

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Dara​ O Briain: So... Where Were We?

Review of the now former Mock The Week host on tour

Given its seismic global impact, it’s no surprise that the Covid pandemic simulated so much stand-up, good and bad. For Dara O Briain , lockdown’s shrinking horizons compelled him to look inward for inspiration, writing a more personal show than he’s ever presented before.

Few middle-aged Irishmen wear their hearts on their sleeve – when sober, at least – and O Briain isn’t going to start putting his audience through the emotional wringer. Nevertheless, in So... Where Were We? he draws us in with a compelling story with non-trivial stakes and which touches heavily on some of the more shameful aspects of Ireland’s recent past. But that’s a background, not the main thrust of the narrative, which is more like Kafka played out as sitcom.

It marks a change of tone for a comic known for a machine-gun delivery. Yet the greater the investment, the heartier the laughs whenever he punctuates the drama with a witty, self-aware joke – more often than not at his own expense. So while the detailed story that dominates the second half might not be what you expect from the jovial panel show host, its skilfully unfolding narrative will have you hooked.

And there’s plenty of the gaggier O Brian on offer before the interval, flaunting his lightning-quick wit as he whips across the front row, making sharp quips from the scantest of information. Most comics might back away from ‘working in IT’ as a dull response to the ‘what do you do?’ query, but a single follow-up question yields enough information for an imaginatively silly riff.

He may be cheekily mean about his fans, but he’s even sharper when sending himself up. Turning 50, the frailties of his body have never been more evident, the universe’s constant reminder never to get too much above one’s status as a bunch of decaying cells in human form.

So he’ll merrily mock the weaknesses that strip him of the dignity he professes to hold dear (even if viewers of Taskmaster might already be aware that ship has sailed). A knee operation meant he spent last summer with a walking stick that fell short of the dandyish cane he’d hoped for, and led to a demeaning trip to Alton Towers on a mobility scooter. Later he recalls a biological anomaly that’s been with him since birth.

Even the offer of a freebie after hosting a bathroom and kitchen awards bash ends up with the self-effacing comic demeaning himself.

Ever aware of the circumstances in the room, O Briain sometimes makes a play of stepping out of his material to offer commentary on it, such as noting the subdued ‘Wednesday night in Basingstoke’ vibes of this show.

But if anyone can celebrate the mundanities of a Wednesday night in Basingstoke, even while painting on a broader canvas, it’s the ever-affable, every-quick O Briain. 

• Dara​ O Briain: So... Where Were We? is touring until June. Dara​ O Briain tour dates .

Review date: 27 Oct 2022 Reviewed by: Reviewed at: Basingstoke Anvil

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Dara Ó Briain review — the most memorable and probably the best show of his career

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★★★★☆ Is there a more reassuring all-round comedian in the British Isles than Dara Ó Briain? Oh, it’s not that he always goes soft on his crowd — sit in the front row and fail to answer his burblingly motormouthed questions with adequate velocity or cogency and you will become a running joke. And it’s not that he necessarily avoids tough topics either. In this show, So . . . Where Were We? — probably the best, certainly the most memorable from a consistently entertaining career — he talks about his belated search, soon before the pandemic began, for his birth mother.

Didn’t know that Ó Briain was adopted? He’s not one to get more personal than he needs to on stage, and is such

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Dara o briain extends his tour.

Dara O Briain has added new dates to his latest tour due to demand. The Taskmaster star's ‘ So… Where Were We? ’ tour has now been extended well into 2023 with new UK dates and also dates in Norway, The Netherlands, Finland, Greece, Cyprus and Germany.

At the end of his last tour ‘ Voice Of Reason’ , Dara had performed the show 180 times over 2 years and across 20 countries, from Auckland to Reykjavik, from Moscow to New York; and by March 2020 he was ready for a break. He would now like to apologise for saying that and will never wish for anything like that again.

Yes, he's back on tour, and he will never stop again, because that's clearly what caused all this trouble, oh, and he ate a bat.  Instead, in his new show  'So…Where Were We?’ , Dara will hardly mention the last year and a half, but will instead fire out the usual mix of stories, one-liners, audience messing, and tripping over his words because he is talking too quickly, because he's so giddy to be back in front of a crowd. 

Buy tickets for UK shows  here . For European dates click here . there will also be shows down under at some point.

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Dara Ó Briain: So...Where Were We?

Donald gordon theatre.

2 April 2023

{{::on_sale_date.formatted_date}}

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Dara Ó Briain is back on tour, with a brand new show.

At the end of his last tour, Dara had performed the show Voice Of Reason 180 times, over 2 years across 20 countries, from Auckland to Reykjavik, from Moscow to New York; and by March 2020 he was ready for a break.

He would now like to apologise for saying that and will never wish for anything like that again.

Yes, he's back on tour, and he will never stop again, because that's clearly what caused all this trouble. Instead, in his new show So...Where Were We? Dara will hardly mention the last year and a half, because, Jesus, who wants to hear about that? Instead, Dara will fire out the usual mix of stories, one-liners, audience messing and tripping over his words by talking too quickly because he's so giddy to be back in front of a crowd.

“Pure, undiluted comic genius”

Age restriction:  14+  Contains strong language and adult content

Start time: Sun 8pm

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DARA Ó BRIAIN: ‘SO… WHERE WERE WE?’

BRAND NEW 2023 CANADIAN TOUR 

September 5-16, 2023, tickets on sale friday, may 5, 2023.

“The most memorable show of a winning career “ – The Times

“... ever-affable, every-quick O Briain ... flaunting his lightening quick wit” – Chortle

“... brilliant show … master story-teller - a triumph.”   – 5 stars The Arts Desk

“Pure, undiluted comic genius” – Evening Standard

“His set is a masterclass in intelligent, no-frills stand-up” – The Guardian

“If you want a comic who can hold an audience in the palm of his hand for two hours, here’s your man” – The Times

May 2, 2023 - Following his incredibly successful 2022 Canadian tour, Just For Laughs is thrilled to announce that Dara Ó Briain is returning to Canada with a brand-new, live stand-up show: ‘So… Where Were We?’ .

At the end of his highly successful last tour ‘Voice Of Reason’, Dara had performed the show 180 times over 2 years and across 20 countries, from Auckland to Reykjavik, from Moscow to New York; and by March 2020 he was ready for a break!  He would now like to apologise for saying that and will never wish for anything like that again.

Ó Briain’s last tour of Canada was originally scheduled for March 2020, then 2021 and it finally happened in 2022, where he received standing ovations every night and left audiences clamouring for more!  So, we listened, and are excited to bring you this master storyteller with an all-new show!

Yes, he's back on tour, and he will never stop again, because that's clearly what caused all this trouble, oh, and he ate a bat.  Instead, in his new show 'So…Where Were We?’, Dara will hardly mention the last year and a half, because “Jesus, who wants to hear about that?” but will instead fire out the usual mix of stories, one-liners, audience messing, while tripping over his words because he is talking too quickly as he's so giddy to be back in front of a crowd. 

Tickets for ‘So…Where Were We?’ go on-sale this Friday, May 5 at www.hahaha.com . 

About Dara Ó Briain

Dara has made a name for himself as one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, as host of BBC Two’s long running hit panel show ‘Mock The Week’, ‘Stargazing Live’, ‘Robot Wars’, Dave’s ‘Go8Bit’ and Comedy Central’s re-boot of the classic quiz show ‘Blockbusters’. 

In 2022, Dara hosted Channel 4’s newest daytime quiz, ‘One & Six Zeros’, where contestants compete to win a grand prize of £1,000,000.

Dara has previously released five classic stand-up DVDs with Universal Pictures (UK); ‘Crowd Tickler’ (2015), 'Craic Dealer' (2012), ‘This Is The Show’ (2010), ‘Dara Ó Briain Talks Funny Live In London’ (2008) and ‘Dara Ó Briain Live at the Theatre Royal’ (2006) – and 2018’s Voice of Reason filmed exclusively for the BBC. 

Dara has also put pen to paper with the release of three best selling non-fiction children’s books all released by Scholastic UK:  Beyond The Sky: You and the Universe’ (2017), ‘Secret Science: The Amazing World Beyond Your Eyes’ (2018), and most recently in October 2020, ‘Is There Anybody Out There?’

In January 2023, Dara won the Best Tour award for ‘So... Where Were We?’ at the Chortle Comedy Awards.

About Just For Laughs

Global leader in comedy and home to the #1 Comedy Festival in the World, Just for Laughs Group has been launching and championing top comedic talent - including Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Hannah Gadsby, Hasan Minhaj, Jo Koy, Canada’s very own Rick Mercer and Russell Peters - for close to 40 years. Founded in 1983, the company is an international powerhouse in the creation of multiplatform comedic content. Every year, millions of spectators are entertained at its worldwide festivals, from Montréal – the biggest comedy event in the world – to Toronto and Vancouver, Canada; Austin, U.S.A.; London, UK; and Sydney, Australia; featuring thousands of Canadian and international comedians - from well-established artists to aspiring up-and-comers. With concentrated growth on television development and production, the Group’s digital and televised content is shown in over 150 countries and followed by an online audience of over 14 million. In addition, the Group produces touring shows, stages its own musicals and is the originator of the ComedyPRO industry conference along with the daytime, fan centric, ComedyCON event.

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Dara O Briain: So... Where Were We?

11 Jun 2023

Dara Ó Briain is back on tour, with a brand new show!

At the end of his last tour, Dara had performed the show "Voice Of Reason" 180 times, over 2 years across 20 countries, from Auckland to Reykjavik, from Moscow to New York; and by March 2020 he was ready for a break!

He would now like to apologise for saying that and will never wish for anything like that again.

Yes, he's back on tour, and he will never stop again, because that's clearly what caused all this trouble. Instead, in his new show 'So, Where Were We?" Dara will hardly mention the last year and a half, because, Jesus, who wants to hear about that? Instead, Dara will fire out the usual mix of stories, one-liners, audience messing and tripping over his words by talking too quickly because he's so giddy to be back in front of a crowd.

"Pure, undiluted comic genius"

Evening Standard

"His set is a masterclass in intelligent, no-frills stand-up"

The Guardian

"If you want a comic who can hold an audience in the palm of his hand for two hours, here's your man"

RUNNING ORDER:

Timings approx. - 8pm start time

50 mins - Dara

No support act

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STRICTLY 14+ Likely to be swearing and adult content

No children under this age will be permitted even if accompanied by an adult.

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Dara Ó Briain says comedy show exposes the 'light and dark' of finding birth family as he wraps up tour in the US

The Co Wicklow comedian will perform in New York, Chicago, Washington DC, and Boston in January and February

• 20:37, 8 JAN 2024
• Updated 13:20, 9 JAN 2024

Dara Ó Briain says his comedy show exposes the "light and dark" of finding his birth family as he looks to rap up his two-year-long tour in the US. The Co Wicklow comedian will take the So… Where Were We? tour to New York City on January 26 before heading to Chicago January 30, Washington DC on February 2 and Boston on February 5.

The 51-year-old was inspired to search for his birth mother after watching the 2013 Oscar-nominated film Philomena, based on the true story of Irishwoman Philomena Lee, played by Judi Dench , and her 50-year search for the son she was forced to give up for adoption. The London-based comic met his biological mother in Dublin in 2020.

The experience led Ó Briain to pen material about uncovering his family history - his extended birth family includes sisters and a brother - which he reveals has prompted audience members to share their own adoption stories with him. Dara told IrishStar.com : "The show touches on a big family story which has been interesting to tell. It's a confessional and sincere account of finding your roots, and the dark and light moments that come with that.

Read more: Cillian Murphy feels like 'luckiest man' after winning Best Male Actor at Golden Globes

"The subject matter is universal and timeless. People, mainly men my own age, often come up to me at the stage door to say the show has inspired them to search for their birth family before they're too old, which is touching."

Irish adoptees had no automatic right to see their own birth certificates or to know their biological parents' identities until October 2022 when The Birth Information and Tracing Act was introduced. The Irish law was created to end the secrecy in Ireland's 70-year-old adoption system and give adoptees the right to access birth records.

Dara went on: "At the time I was searching for my birth family, the laws in Ireland were very restricted. There were bureaucratic interventions, doors were shut and information was redacted. Now, the funny thing is you can do the entire search in 10 minutes. You spit in a cup and six weeks later, the information appears on an app on your phone.

"I'm occasionally aware I talk about my birth family more than I talk to them. I'm banging on about them during the show then I think to myself, 'I haven't seem them in a while, I must give them a call!'"

The father-of-three last performed in the US just three days before the Covid lockdown . Despite his many jaunts across the Atlantic, the author and TV presenter, who has performed comedy shows all over the world and hosted topical panel shows like Mock the Week and The Apprentice: You're Fired! said performing in the States is "disorientating" but "weirdly liberating" as everything he's done in his career so far "counts for nothing" in the US.

Read more: Irish playwright Conor McPherson brings Tony-award nominated musical based on Bob Dylan songs to the US

"I still get very nervous about performing in these US venues," Dara continued. " US audiences all different to all others . It's like there is a glass dome over America. It's so referential and enclosed so for stuff that occurs outside of it to get in is incredibly rare. It's a tougher sell. I have to go door to door like a salesman to get people to my shows.

"Unless you're a comedy nerd, no one knows what Mock the Week is and it's not like I can go on Joe Rogan's podcast to promote myself. The American comedy world is amazingly oblivious. People think I'm an open spot when I've been doing comedy for 30 years. It's fun that no one has seen anything I've done, though.

"I walk out at comedy clubs in the US completely unknown with 20 hours of material. None of us at this age are trying to break America. It's a bucket list thing to do. I come to the US to relive my career to a certain extent."

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Dara will spend the rest of the year writing a new show but will return to the US on April 8 for a Channel 5 documentary about the sun. The expedition will take him to Dallas, Texas to view a special vertical eclipse.

For tickets and information about Dara's upcoming US tour, please click here .

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .

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Dara Ó Briain

Get tickets on Ticketmaster here or from the venues below!

Stand-up comedian and television presenter Dara Ó Briain is best known in the UK for hosting Mock the Week, Blockbusters, Robot Wars, Stargazing Live, Dara and Ed’s Great Big Adventure and Dara Ó Briain’s Go 8Bit.

His latest show So… Where Were We? was winner of Best Tour at the 2023 Chortle Awards and has been performed across the globe, touring in the UK, Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, the Middle East and North America.

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Dara o’briain announces australian tour for this november.

Dara O’Briain is back on tour with a brand new live stand-up show. 

So… Where Were We? will see Dara travel across Australia in November which will include a performance at the Just For Laughs Sydney Comedy Festival.

At the end of his highly successful last tour Voice Of Reason, Dara had performed the show 180 times over 2 years and across 20 countries, from Sydney to Reykjavik, from Moscow to New York; and by March 2020 he was ready for a break!  He would now like to apologise for saying that and will never wish for anything like that again.

Dara O’Briain Australian tour

• Perth Astor Theatre Sunday 12 November
• Sydney State Theatre – Jfl Sydney Tuesday 14 November
• Melbourne Hamer Hall Thursday 16 November
• Brisbane City Hall Monday 20 November

Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A60M9xy_ZeQ

Yes, he’s back on tour, and he will never stop again, because that’s clearly what caused all this trouble, oh, and he ate a bat.  Instead, in his new show So…Where Were We?, Dara will hardly mention the last few years because, Jesus, who wants to hear about that, but will instead fire out the usual mix of stories, one-liners, audience messing, and tripping over his words because he is talking too quickly, because he’s so giddy to be back in front of a crowd.

Dara has made a name for himself as one of the most recognisable faces on British television, as host of BBC Two’s long running hit panel show Mock The Week, Stargazing Live, Dave’s Go8Bit and Comedy Central’s re-boot of the classic quiz show Blockbusters.

Dara has previously released five classic stand-up DVDs Crowd Tickler(2015), Craic Dealer (2012), This Is The Show (2010), Dara Ó Briain Talks Funny Live In London (2008) and Dara Ó Briain Live at the Theatre Royal (2006) – and 2018’s Voice of Reason filmed exclusively for the BBC.

Dara has also put pen to paper with the release of three best-selling non-fiction children’s books all released by Scholastic UK:  Beyond The Sky: You and the Universe (2017), Secret Science: The Amazing World Beyond Your Eyes (2018), and most recently in October 2020, Is There Anybody Out There?

In January 2023, Dara won the Best Tour award for So… Where Were We? at the Chortle Comedy Awards.

Tickets on sale Monday 14 August 9am. Book at bohmpresents.com.

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Dara O'Briain Will Embark on Australian Tour in November With SO...WHERE WERE WE?

The tour ill include a performance at the Just For Laughs Sydney Comedy Festival.

Dara O’Briain is back on tour with a brand new live stand-up show.  So… Where Were We? will see Dara travel across Australia in November which will include a performance at the Just For Laughs Sydney Comedy Festival.

At the end of his highly successful last tour Voice Of Reason, Dara had performed the show 180 times over 2 years and across 20 countries, from Sydney to Reykjavik, from Moscow to New York; and by March 2020 he was ready for a break!  He would now like to apologise for saying that and will never wish for anything like that again.

Yes, he's back on tour, and he will never stop again, because that's clearly what caused all this trouble, oh, and he ate a bat.  Instead, in his new show So…Where Were We?, Dara will hardly mention the last few years because, Jesus, who wants to hear about that, but will instead fire out the usual mix of stories, one-liners, audience messing, and tripping over his words because he is talking too quickly, because he's so giddy to be back in front of a crowd. 

Dara has made a name for himself as one of the most recognisable faces on British television, as host of BBC Two’s long running hit panel show Mock The Week, Stargazing Live, Dave’s Go8Bit and Comedy Central ’s re-boot of the classic quiz show Blockbusters. 

Dara has previously released five classic stand-up DVDs Crowd Tickler (2015), Craic Dealer (2012), This Is The Show (2010), Dara Ó Briain Talks Funny Live In London (2008) and Dara Ó Briain Live at the Theatre Royal (2006) – and 2018’s Voice of Reason filmed exclusively for the BBC. 

Dara has also put pen to paper with the release of three best-selling non-fiction children’s books all released by Scholastic UK:  Beyond The Sky: You and the Universe (2017), Secret Science: The Amazing World Beyond Your Eyes (2018), and most recently in October 2020, Is There Anybody Out There?

In January 2023, Dara won the Best Tour award for So... Where Were We? at the Chortle Comedy Awards.

Perth Astor Theatre Sunday 12 November 

Sydney State Theatre – Jfl Sydney Tuesday 14 November 

Melbourne Hamer Hall Thursday 16 November 

Brisbane City Hall Monday 20 November

Australia - Adelaide SHOWS

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Dara O'Briain ON TOUR

Comedy & Stand-up

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What you thought

2 reviews, average rating: (5.0 Stars)

Micheal: “What a pro”

I have seen plenty of Dara's stuff on YouTube but I had never seen him... more

TJ: “Smart, hilarious, relatable”

First time I was lucky enough to see Dara perform in person and he did... more

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