AL PORTER NOW at The Everyman, Cork

After six years away, Al steps back into the spotlight with his most personal show to date, an upfront and upbeat take on his journey to here. Picking up the pieces of his life, Al has put himself back together as someone not quite the same as before. That rare spark is still there, but there’s also a new humility and vulnerability. Like old friends catching up, Al gets us up to date on all his relationships – with family, alcohol, his partner of seven years and even God – with a fresh perspective and big laughs.

Al’s still got the nerve, fire and big heart that make his shows special, but life experience has made him sharper. This time, older and a little wiser, he’s more relatable and funnier than ever.

Six years ago, at 24 years old, Al was Ireland’s brightest new star, selling out theatres around Ireland and the UK. From just 19 his career had been a runaway train and he became the youngest headliner in Vicar Street’s history at only 21. His award-winning stand-up received rave reviews from critics, he had his own TV and radio shows and big plans in motion for the USA. Then, it all fell apart.

As Al wrote in an article in 2022, he “had to listen and grow up and make changes” having been “hugely immature…inconsiderate…a mess, oblivious, obnoxious…an idiot” and having let a lot of people down. Al’s sincere stance since has received an overwhelmingly positive response.

Now, hot off the back of a sell-out work in progress tour, with reports of standing ovations every night, the word is out that Al has come back better than ever, only just hitting his prime. Some of the old gloss is gone, but that reveals the real Al beneath, including his flaws and failures and the path he’s on to turn it all around.

Now is a hilarious tour de force, a show with unbreakable spirit, optimism and big laughs from start to finish from the head and heart of one of Ireland’s best comic talents. Al has come back with a see-it-to-believe-it presence and as a powerhouse performer in his best show yet. It’s not the Al you remember. Al Porter Now is new and improved!

REVIEWS OF AL’S LAST TOUR 2016/2017

“Hilarious” – The Times
“every syllable is mined for laughs” – The List
“star essence to burn” – The Scotsman
“a steamroller crowd pleasing talent” – The Guardian
“charisma to fill the 02” – London Evening Standard
“shades of Dave Allen…born to be on stage” – Chortle