A few weeks ago I became embroiled in an unusually civilised social media debate about live comedy. A theory was floated that there are two types of stand-up comedian. Those that tell jokes and those that tell stories. Dara Ó Briain excels at both. His latest show, Re: Creation, is a supercharged club set, a storytelling masterclass and then some.
In fact there are three strands here. The aforementioned gags and narrative arc, but first Ó Briain’s trademark crowd work. Few are as skilled as the imposing Irishman at conjuring up inspired material out of the thinnest audience info. On this occasion he struck gold with a fan who fixes car park cameras. Though judging by the number of car theft victims he also unearthed more cameras clearly need fixing.
From there the erstwhile Mock The Week host segued seamlessly into his scripted routines about secret pride in his children swiping his vodka, doing a speed awareness course as a celebrity pupil and a charity gig where his wisecracks prompted tumbleweed – clearly a sense of humour failure in the audience on that occasion.
No such dustbowl imagery in Walthamstow, where after these enjoyable amuse-bouches he served up the main course. Ó Briain’s last show was about being adopted and finding his birth mother. This is the paternal sequel as he recalls the quest to find his father. It was a long time ago, it will not be easy and will involve substantial time and effort, warns his mother.
Mum didn't take the internet into account. The search was solved with a few keystrokes. But then he had to arrange a meeting in the flesh which was more complex and understandably delicate. Needless to say with an emotionally charged story like this there are hairpin bend twists and turns along the way. To reveal them would spoil the surprise of hearing them for yourself.
Ó Briain’s tale would be fascinating if it was about a stranger and you read an article about it in a weekend magazine supplement. The fact that it concerns a public figure and comes with whipsmart quips and astute asides adds further appeal. Each development keeps you on the edge of your seat and in danger of laughing so much you will fall off.
This is a long show and given the lightning speed at which Ó Briain talks a lot is packed into it. But the structure means that it keeps building momentum. There is a little too much going on before he reaches the main event, but when he gets there you will be utterly entranced as well as entertained.
Also Eventim Apollo, 26 & 27 February, 2026 and touring. Tickets and information here.
