Grandad bags gig at Fringe Festival
Published 18 Aug 2011 09:30
An up-and-coming Clydebank comedian hopes to break into the big time after bagging a solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Brian Mooney, 52, will be performing every night for a week at the Globe Bar.
The Duntocher grandad has been writing comedy plays for 20 years but he only got serious about stand-up in 2008 when he reached the semi-final of comedy competition "So You Think You're Funny?"
This is his first appearance at the Fringe and he hopes the show, which is called Fur Coat and Nae Knickers, is a success.
Brian said: "The theme is Glasgow and the west of Scotland.
"I was born in Glasgow although I've lived in Duntocher for 30 years.
"It's about how to guarantee success with women and how to get a promotion at work that you don't deserve.
"Also, if you come from a council estate and you buy your own house life may not be as glamourous as you think.
"That's where the title Fur Coat and Nae Knickers comes from."
Brian will also sing comedy songs as part of his routine.
He only recently started getting back into stand-up.
Following the competition in 2008 Brian went back into writing comedy plays.
He said: I wrote a play called "Strictly come 'aff it" which is the story of the Drumchapel Ballroom Dancing Club and its quest for glory.
"I made a few hundred pound for charity with that.
"Then I decided I would do a bit more on my stand-up routine.
"I played a couple of gigs and did my own stuff and a few songs.
"Then I approached the Fringe Festival to see if I could get a slot."
The venue holds around 60 people and Brian is fairly confident he will get a decent crowd for the first few nights.
During the rest of the week, however, he will be relying on pulling punters off the street.
He added: "I might even sing a song in the street to get their attention."
Brian would love to follow in the footsteps of fellow Clydebank comedian Kevin Bridges and gain TV fame.
He is not worried about his age, as Buster Merryfield who played Uncle Albert in Only Fools and Horses got his comedy break later in life.
Brian said: "Buster Merryfield didn't get his break until he was 62. He gives us all hope."
Brian is performing at the Globe Bar, Niddry Street, Edinburgh, at 7.15pm from Sunday August 21 through to Saturday August 27.
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
