Emer can’t wait to stand-up on stage

Strabane-born comedian so grateful for her Ulster Hall show

The comedians here have a real chance to shine – yes, no joke, indoor gigs are returning – but the first of note in Belfast was a bit weird. Both New Pagans and Tim Burgess were fantastic on stage at The Limelight last Thursday – but having to watch while seated was a constant reminder of that little bit of ground we still have to cover.

Happily – for the many, many immensely talented stand-ups who’ve broken through during what’s been something of a renaissance for comedy in Northern Ireland – their live shows are very much back and now taking place exactly as planned – with capacity crowds.

It’s just in time for Emer Maguire, who’s had everything crossed for almost a year after announcing her first Ulster Hall Show. It’s happening tomorrow week (October 16) as originally scheduled and is – for quite a few reasons – somewhat unmissable. Emer’s one of those people who’s irritatingly good at a number of different things.

I first encountered her as a relatively straight forward singer-songwriter during Oh Yeah’s Scratch My Progress development campaign in 2016 for her sweet and reflective debut single ‘Belfast’. She was instantly likeable on stage – and her charm manifested itself with a little humour between – and then within the songs.

The between songs chat morphed into relatively conventional stand-up, while the songs morphed into musical comedy – completing a reinvention. These days, Emer also works as a motivational speaker of sorts – and is a renowned scientist, with an award wining Science radio show tucked away on her CV. All of these talents contribute to what’s now a genuinely unique one-woman show.

Ahead of the Ulster Hall gig next Saturday – I invited Emer to give us a little insight as to what it was like being someone who belongs on a stage at a packed venue… when none were actually open. Here’s what she had to say.

In March 2020 all my future live bookings were cancelled. In the

space of two days, I got email after email regretting to inform me that I was no longer needed because gigs didn’t exist in pandemic land. I was devastated. My performing career had just kicked off and I wasn’t long back from a sold out Edinburgh Fringe run.

I was growing in confidence, getting rave reviews and amazing feedback and every one of my Belfast shows had sold out. I was beginning to rid myself of the stage fright I’d experienced by performing as many gigs as possible. My own version of exposure therapy! But then – I was halted in my tracks, just like the rest of the world.

The pre-gig stage fright was replaced with fresh concerns. Concerns about my comedy career dying. Concerns about not getting paid. Concerns that by the time the pandemic was over, I’d no longer be funny. I submerged myself in all that for a little while, before realising it could give me something to write about.

So I started writing new comedy songs. Songs about the pandemic. Songs about my life. Songs about everything and anything. Songs that I told myself I’d perform at a huge gig when this was all over. I started doing online events around September 2020. As somewhat of an introvert, I actually loved doing gigs from the comfort of my home. There was no hassle of travelling somewhere new. No soundchecks. No asking strangers where the bathroom is. Those things were replaced by my familiar computer screens, a shirt on top with pyjama bottoms below camera level, and my dog under the desk. I loved it. I felt safe and comfortable and warm and happy.

But as time went on, I started to crave something. I wanted back on stage. I realised that despite my pre-performance nerves, I wanted to be in front of a friendly enthusiastic audience, overwhelmed that people find me funny, and deafened by the buzz of laughter. I always felt so small on a physical stage, as if it could swallow me whole. But maybe that’s how everyone feels. It doesn’t erase the magic of it.

I booked a gig for

Ulster Hall in Belfast for October 16, 2021.

A stunning venue and a behemoth of the Belfast scene.

High ceilings and vast space to be filled with music and laughter. The closer I get to the gig, the more grateful I am to know I’ll be in a room for a night where the only objective is to make others happy. When the executive announced that restrictions were being eased just in time for my show (thanks lads), I felt something I haven’t felt in a long time – hope.

The pandemic took so much from us, but it has given me a new appreciation and love for my career. And to be honest, it’ll be nice to perform to someone other than my dog after a year and a half.

Emer Maguire’s show ‘In Her Element’ is at The Ulster Hall tomorrow week, Saturday, October 16.

The closer I get to the gig, the more grateful I am to know I’ll be in a room for a night where the only objective is to make others happy.

EXCITED Emer Maguire