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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Marisa Mackle

Emma Doran chats about hecklers, on-stage nerves and Patrick Kielty

Comedian Emma Doran has said she doesn’t get fazed by hecklers at her live shows - as she talks right back.

The Rathfarnham comedian is set to join comedians such as Tommy Tiernan, Deirdre O’ Kane, Kevin McGahern, and Dara O’ Briain at this year’s Paddy Power Dublin Comedy festival at the Iveagh Gardens from 27-30 July.

The stand-up comic says hecklers are part of doing live gigs but they are rare and there’s rarely any malice involved.

READ MORE - Emma Doran recalls burning her school uniform and being called a 'frigid slapper'

She told The Irish Mirror: "It’s very rare that people heckle me, but when it happens it’s just people joining in, having fun - I’m well able."

The mother of three revealed that after the birth of her son, Joe, she decided that going full-time into comedy was "now or never."

She explained: "I’d always wanted to do comedy.

"After the birth of Joe I thought the time to do it is now or I’ll be retired before I know it."

During Covid, Emma’s online sketches became a huge hit on social media. Now Emma sells out gigs and is busy writing a comedy series.

But she says there were nerves involved at the beginning of her stand-up career.

"My first ever gig was at the Ha'penny Bridge Inn. I was so nervous.

"I turned up so early to try and calm my nerves but it all went well thankfully.

"I got great advice from fellow comedian, Joe Dowlin. He gave me lots of tips on what to do."

Emma is looking forward to joining Irish and international comedy heavyweights at the upcoming comedy festival in Dublin next month.

She said: "I can’t wait. It’ll be a great few days. I am looking forward to catching up with Deirdre O’ Kane, who is my hero.

Deirdre O'Kane (Sky)

"They tell you not to meet your idol, but I did and she was so hilarious and nice."

One comedian Emma has yet to meet is Patrick Kielty.

"I hope I’ll meet him on his show," she quipped.

"I haven’t met him but look, he got Cat Deeley to marry him, so he must be doing something right. I mean, she’s gorgeous."

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