Des Bishop: The Irish Comic Navigating the Divide Between Ireland and New York
Comedian Des Bishop spends more time in New York than he does in Dublin these days, yet insists he remains an Irish comic. In a recent interview over Zoom, Bishop expressed his frustration with people’s quick assumptions about his identity based on his accent and current location.
The Journey to New York
Bishop didn’t plan to leave Ireland fully; he had been living a bicoastal life, splitting his time between Ireland and the United States. The pandemic accelerated his move to New York, where he found better weather and settled into a house by the ocean. However, he never intended to make it permanent. The pandemic simply changed the landscape of his life.
A significant change came when he met and eventually married Hannah Berner, a US comedian and reality TV star. Their relationship, which originated on Instagram, added a new dimension to his life and career.
What Makes Des Bishop Unique
Bishop has always been interested in exploring his identity through comedy, a transparent reflection of his multicultural background and experiences. He grew up in Ireland, part of an Irish family that sent him to an Irish boarding school during his troubled teenage years. This unique experience provided material for his early stand-up routines.
Bishop’s early comedy was deeply rooted in Irish observational humor, which resonated well in Ireland but was harder to translate internationally. However, his fortunes changed after he performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, gaining the confidence to branch out with international themes.
Career Highlights and Personal Stories
Bishop’s journey includes several noteworthy projects that have helped shape his comedy. He starred in shows like The Des Bishop Work Experience, which saw him take minimum-wage jobs, and Joy in the Hood, where he encouraged nascent comedians from marginalized communities. In In the Name of the Fada, he learned Irish in the Gaeltacht, blending his uniqueness with personal growth.
Personal life has always been a part of Bishop’s comedy. His battles with alcoholism and testicular cancer were open subjects in his performances. Bishop’s shows such as My Dad Was Nearly James Bond and Mia Mamma, dealing with the loss of his parents, showcase a deep understanding of human emotion and resilience.
There’s a lot of essential human experience I haven’t experienced, but I know about those two things, and when I hear someone talk about that in a way that’s interesting, I just love it.
— Des Bishop
Modern Relationships and Online Influence
Bishop’s relationship with Hannah Berner sprawled not only from common talking on social media but also mutual respect for each other’s careers. Her reality show Summer House drew his attention to a new world of entertainment. Together, they host a podcast called Berner Phone.
Bishop credits Berner with helping him adapt to the modern entertainment industry, including being more active on social media platforms. Drawing on her experience, he learned to navigate online content creation, emphasizing the importance of connecting with his audience in real-time.
Comedy and Divisiveness
Bishop draws on his experiences to compare the Irish and American comedy scenes. In his view, Irish comedy often values storytelling and a slower pace, whereas American comedy is characterized by rapid delivery and punchlines. He also points out that Irish audiences are more open to hearing differing opinions, unlike American audiences who prefer more polarized views.
He also reflects on the divisiveness in political discourse, expressing his discomfort with unchallenged tendencies among some popular online comedians. Bishop believes in fairness and balance but acknowledges the commercial imperative to cater to public sentiments.
Commercially it’s really a time to pander.
— Des Bishop
Upcoming Tours and Future Projects
Despite spending more time in New York, Bishop is looking forward to his upcoming tour of Ireland. He appreciates the warmth and familiarity of Irish audiences. These tours include performances at the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Belfast, and Galway.
