These days Terry is a much in demand actor/Comedian in film (Michael Inside/ The Meeting) TV (Love/ Hate/ Striking out) and stages, comedy clubs and festivals all over Ireland and the UK. But, in his old life he was a boxer.
Rope-a-Dope, written and performed by Terry runs at The Civic 27 – 28 Jul. It is the extremely personal account of a young pug chasing an impossible dream that was always just out of reach, a trip through the dark and murky world of boxing and a study on why someone signs up to get punched in the head for a living! We had a chat with Terry in advance of his show here at The Civic.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Crumlin/ Kimmage (the lines are blurred- it depends on who you ask!) I’m a former Irish champion boxer- turned actor/ comedian/ chancer who is planning a wedding next year (so please come see my show!)
Tell us about your background/ interest in the arts?
I always had an interest in the arts dating back to school plays at a young age, though I threw myself into boxing so that was my main focus for many years. Once I finished up fighting, I decided to give performing a try and went to study theatre at Bull Alley and then on to Bow street for screen acting. In between working in film and stage I started doing stand up comedy a few years ago too. On face value it sounds a far cry from the boxing days but there is actually more of a correlation than you might initially think in that they are both performance based pursuits and often the preparation times and work you do behind the scenes alone can be similar. Although I thankfully get punched less often these days.
Have you been involved in productions at the Civic before?
Yes, many times with college plays and I also performed in a show called “Cornerstones” there back in 2015, so it’s been a while.
What can Tallaght audiences expect from this show?
This show is, I believe, fairly distinctive in its cross-genre style, combining the worlds of stand up comedy, theatre, music and (of course) boxing. It is a fast paced, joke heavy but ultimately heart felt, raw and honest piece that will have you laughing and hopefully jab you in “the feels” too.
Tell us a random fact about yourself?
I proudly share a birthday with Oscar Wilde, Michael Collins and (less proudly) … Jedward.
What’s next for you?
Shortly after the show at the Civic I leave for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where I will be performing the show 25 consecutive nights in August at City Cafe. I am also playing in a feature film later in the year and we are currently looking at venues and dates for an Irish tour of ROPE-A-DOPE next year.
So, step through the ropes for a hilarious, fast-paced and heart-felt few rounds seconds out… DING- DING! Catch this show before it travels to the Edinburgh Festival for the month of August.
Rope-a-Dope
27 – 28 Jul
The Civic
CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW
