Tommy Tiernan review: Wild yarns, philosophical detours, and brilliant pisstakes at the Marquee
Tommy Tiernan, gigging in Cork since the 1990s when he played City Limits, brought his Tommedian show to a packed Live at the Marquee in Cork on Friday night. Picture: Chani Anderson
I spotted Tommy Tiernan today strolling down Cork’s South Mall, dry cleaning slung over his shoulder like a man heading into battle — or at least into a hotel room. It was the kind of scene you only get in Cork: One of Ireland’s most recognisable comedians, casually navigating pre-gig errands in the middle of town, shirt in bag, hat on head, and intense frown intact.
He stopped to do a couple of selfies outside The Imperial, though. A sound man.
That offbeat energy is exactly what fans got on Friday night as Tiernan brings his Tommedian tour to Live at the Marquee, a space he knows well.
The audience are of a certain vintage, and all straining at the bit (and our belts). There's a delay with kick-off, thanks to the time it takes to get everyone's phone imprisoned in Yondr pouches, so it's close to 9pm by the time he saunters onstage.
But his connection with Cork is long-standing and he's quickly forgiven. He’s been gigging here since his early days, playing City Limits in the late ’90s, and has always spoken fondly of the city’s appetite for comedy that’s both fearless and a little feral.
Now a household name, Tiernan’s career has spanned stand-up, acting, and of course the surprise knack he's shown for talk show hosting.
He’s known to international audiences as Gerry from and to Irish fans as the unpredictable host of 'The Tommy Tiernan show', RTÉ’s cult hit where even he doesn’t know who the guests will be. Makes perfect sense when you think about it.
He’s also fresh from a run at the Abbey Theatre, where he starred in Kevin Barry’s acclaimed new play , cementing his reputation as a performer of real range.
Tiernan’s tour has been described as “theatrical, poetical, and slightly unhinged” — that plays out tonight in the tent.
Gaza, Jackie Kennedy, the importance of drink and drugs, singalongs — it's a mix of wild anecdotes, philosophical detours, and brilliant pisstakes.
And the Bob-Dylan-meets-Shane-MacGowan bit was bloody brilliant.
Opening tonight’s show is another performer with a strong Cork connection — Kyla Cobbler, the dishevelled comic whose fearless appearance on 'The Tommy Tiernan Show' in April catapulted her into the national spotlight.
Kyla first gained attention through viral Instagram reels before stepping on stage for her first open mic in May 2021. Her performance tonight was confident, with poor Dennis from Bishopstown an unwillingly patsy.
One of Tiernan's most talked-about moments in recent years was his infamous interview with Roy Keane, where he pressed the famously guarded (and gorgeous) footballer in a way few dare.
That encounter was awkward, cringey, but ultimately revealing with some pure comedy moments, it was a back-and-forth that only Tiernan could have. Fittingly, the Mayfield man himself is set to appear on the same Marquee stage for a live 'In Conversation' event with Roddy Doyle on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week.
Tonight, though, it’s Tiernan’s turn to command the tent.
If his dry-cleaned shirt is anything to go by, he’s come prepared. Part sermon, part common sense, part emotional exorcism — and all unmistakably Tommy.
• Next up at Live At The Marquee, Tommy Tiernan's Tommedian show again on Saturday night, followed by An Evening with Roy Keane In Conversation with Roddy Doyle on July 7,8, and 9.
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