Hailed as “the future of Irish comedy”, Andrew Maxwell is a big favourite on the Irish and UK comedy circuit. And now he’s returning to Roscommon Arts Centre on Wednesday June 9.
Andrew has won and been nominated for several awards including an Edinburgh Comedy Award for ’Best Show’, a Time Out Live Award for ‘Best Stand-up’, and a Chortle Award for best contribution to the live comedy circuit. He was also recently voted ‘Best Irish Comedian’ by the public at the entertainment.ie awards.
Born in 1974, he was raised in Dublin, and under the influence of both grandfathers, was brought up with a passion to speak out about political and social issues and indeed any other topic he feels passionate about - which is an awful lot. As one of the few Protestant families in the area, and the only ones who housed African students on a regular basis, the Maxwells were well versed in religion and international politics and this influence is still apparent in Andrew’s performances.
In 1992, Maxwell tried his hand at stand-up for the first time at a local club run by Ardal O’Hanlon. Two years later, aged 20, he began to play on the international stand-up circuit. Warm-up slots on TV shows soon followed and from the mid 1990s, Andrew had established himself as a regular on BBC’s Sunday Show. During this time he toured with a plethora of well-known names, including Simon Pegg and Russell Brand.
But it was the arrival of RTE’s The Panel which brought him right into the living rooms of the Irish public and so began a love affair which still continues. In 2008 he and fellow comedian Marcus Brigstocke founded the Altitude Festival, a comedy/music festival in Meribel, The French Alps.
Andrew Maxwell is more than a stand-up comedian - he’s an intrepid social commentator and political protagonist on a mission to liberate minds with the power of comedy. Famous for his sharp, fast-paced streams of consciousness and well observed retort, Maxwell builds the crowd by challenging the controversial or taboo.
And this fellow knows what he’s talking about. His performances burst with confidence as he discusses even the most topical sociopolitical subject matter with both intelligence and boyish charm, making for a highly appealing and intimate experience with each and every show. All you who are faint of heart beware - Andrew packs a big comedic punch and isn’t afraid to let the truth sting, even a little.
Book your tickets now at Roscommon Arts Centre at (090 ) 6625824.
