Comedian Al Porter says he is “delighted” to be back after his first stand-up shows in five years sold out in one hour.
Tickets for Porter’s new show - the autobiographical A Work In Progress - were so popular, new dates were added at his hometown theatre, the Civic, in Tallaght. The young star - absent from public life since 2017 - told fans on social media: “You have no idea what this means to me.”
The former Blind Date host thanked everyone who bought tickets to the dates in the studio space of the The Civic Theatre in February. He said: “They sold out within the hour. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. So excited to have a laugh with you all.”
Read more: Al Porter confirms return to showbusiness with series of gigs
As the additional dates in March sold out soon after, he added: “The main stage at The Civic is sold out now too. Thanks a million to everyone, I can’t wait to see you all soon!”
Al was the country’s most successful comedian until an allegation of sexual assault was made against him in 2017. Al – who always denied any wrongdoing in the case – was cleared in November 2019 after the allegation was dropped.
But the lockdown hit soon after and the former showman has stayed out of the spotlight until recently, when he announced his return to the stage with a series of small gigs.
He is currently playing local gigs and charity events with comedians such as Eric Lalor and David McSavage. The Work In Progress show is the story of Al’s life and legacy since his world changed.
It’s described as: “Al starting over. He’s 29, living at home and going out on the road again to follow his dreams. God loves a trier.
“Off-stage, he’s older and wise. On stage, he’s just older. Al’s ready and waiting in the wings to be funnier than ever before. Join him as he road tests new material at his first gigs in half a decade.
Will it work? It’s worth a shot No frills, no gimmicks - just Al.”
He announced he was planning a return to the stage in a Facebook last Summer. He said: “Now I’d like to make people laugh again. Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Mine starts now.”
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