The Danny Mcloughlin Three Minute Interview

Danny Mcloughlin feels alright. He feels more alright about some things than others but it’s normally the case that other people tend to feel more alright than he does. At this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe you can join Danny for an hour of stand-up, where he'll show that he feels alright and that it's alright to feel alright.

At the Fringe, everyone is there, in the same place, with the same common interest and no one needs to rush off to avoid traffic or a diversion on the M6.

“It's called Danny Mcloughlin Feels Alright. It's about how I've grown up with everyone telling me how awesome my dad was and sort of feeling inferior, comparing his life growing up to where mine was growing up/is now, but at the same time realising that sometimes, instead of worrying about who's better, it's more important being content with yourself, despite knowing you're probably only average at something. You can feel alright about only being alright.”

This is your second Edinburgh Fringe show. What’s the attraction of the Edinburgh Fringe?

“The people, that and not driving for a month. Being a comic and travelling everywhere is fun but sometimes driving four hours to work and not having time to chat and hang out with mates sucks. At the Fringe, everyone is there, in the same place, with the same common interest and no one needs to rush off to avoid traffic or a diversion on the M6.”

Do you think that the BBC is right to axe BBC3?

“I think that’s a massive can of worms with arguments for and against that probably should be left to more passionate and articulate people than me. There is some excellent stuff including some fresh ideas but some nonsense too. There's absolutely no doubt that BBC3 has really helped comedy, especially new comics and writers but I don't need to wait for three old episodes of family guy to finish before I can watch it. Hopefully they can sort something out that continues to help the industry, and new talent in particular.”

Tell us your best, worst experiences as a stand-up.

“It may have actually happened at the same time. In an attempt at being wacky I engineered for myself to get booed off at a festival gig which was really funny - the gig went really well by the way. Some dude launched a can that hit me in the head, which made me sore and giggle at the same time. The worst thing though was that someone had filmed it and put it online out of context so I just looked so shit that some dude decided to throw a can at me.”

You’ve supported Al Pitcher, Micky Flanagan and Sean Lock on tour and appeared on TV with Al Murray, Andy Zaltzman and Richard Herring. If you were curating a stand-up show for television, who would be your guests?

“Probably loads of rubbish to make me look better, and nobody too good looking.

“But if I had to be serious, Alun Cochrane and Carl Donnelly are my two favourite acts. They can talk about things like sheds and crumpets and still make it hilarious. I have a lot of favourites that you may not have seen on any shows that festoon our screens. So acts like Dan Nightingale, Gav Webster and Jeff innocent would all be in with a shout. I'd probs have some new acts on too. Peter Brush, Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Pepper Von-Toose are all excellent comics.”

Broadway Baby Listing and Edinburgh Fringe Box Office: http://www.broadwaybaby.com/shows/danny-mcloughlin-feels-alright/699636

Twitter: @dannymccomic

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