The Adam Cullen Three Minute Interview

Adam Cullen has a great CV. He was the winner of the 2011 Paddy Laughs Championship and the 2014 Bulmers Forbidden Fruit Comedy Talent Search and a finalist in several other competitions. His standup was featured several times on Irish TV. At this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe he appears with his friend, Christiane O'Mahony.

The title Badgers and Braveheart refers to and possibly ruins, punchlines within our respective sets and embraces the way careful alliteration can really give a show the impression of a coherent theme.

“Christine and I are two classically-trained musicians who found our way to stand up. Christiane is a harpist and singer who will change the way you think about the instrument - the harp, not her - and I’m a singer and classical guitarist who used to be good but is now just surreal - with the harp.

“The title Badgers and Braveheart refers to and possibly ruins, punchlines within our respective sets and embraces the way careful alliteration can really give a show the impression of a coherent theme. Christiane is a regular performer at some of the biggest comedy festivals in Ireland and played support to Des Bishop on his recent tour. I won two national competitions in stand up and our show this year is a compilation of the best material we’ve come up with over the past four years.”

Why did you choose to perform as part of Laughing Horse?

“I’d heard that Laughing Horse secure great comedy venues and offer good support to their acts. They have been an absolute pleasure to deal with in our preparations for this year’s fringe and we’re very much looking forward to getting to perform with them.”

Why did you get into performing comedy and how did you get started?

“I had been writing comedy for a while but couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t a real comedy writer unless I had the courage to perform my material to a live audience. I did a weekend course with Aidan Killian in the Gaiety School of Acting and have been performing ever since.”

What are you best and worst experiences?

”I don’t have any good stories of guys trying to punch me or me trying to punch anyone. If it helps the interview at all I once got hit in the face with a golf club. It had nothing to do with comedy or the interview, but I really feel like I need to say something interesting. I was a kid and it was an accident but it broke my nose. I told a strange man about this recently and he said it was the most bourgeoisie accident he had ever heard of.”

If you were curating a stand up show for television, who would be your guests?

“Stewart Lee and Christopher Walken doing an impression of somebody who isn’t Christopher Walken.“

Not in the Fringe programme.

Websites: http://www.badgersandbraveheart.com/ and www.adamisajoke.com

Twitter: @Tadamcullen

Youtube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqPbhL86duo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aj3FfN6tnk

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this article has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now