In 2022 we ask our visiting artists to tell us a little bit about themselves. We hope that these short questionnaires will reveal something that you didn't know or expect about them.
Julie Jay has just sold out 7 nights in a row in Dublin Fringe. She also just got an amazing 4 stars review from the IrishTimes for her show "Oops! This is Toxic". So there's no need to tell you that this is THE COMEDY SHOW OF THE SEASON!!
But really, who is Julie Jay? Her answers to our quickfire questionnaire might surprise you!
Q- Tell us about yourself
A- My name is Julie Jay. I am a stand-up comic and I am a bit of a Kerry-Kildare hybrid, hence the accent.
Q- What will you play in Birr
A- The show I am bringing to Birr is Oops, This is Toxic which is my love letter to Britney Spears and an examination of noughties misogyny. So if you’re into Britney and/or misogyny, this show is definitely for you. I think there is something for everyone.
Q- Who is your biggest influence?
A- I have to say the first comic who every inspired me would have to be Jo Brand. I was obsessed with Jo Brand as a teenager. There weren’t many female comics around and I just adored her. She was the person who made me initially believe that perhaps I could be a stand up and do it too.
Currently Deirdre O’Kane. She is just phenomenal, such a charismatic performer, absolutely inspiring. And in life, at the risk of sounding like a Brian Friel play, I come from a family of strong women so my Aunties and Mother have been a massive influence on me in the best possible way.
Q- Describe yourself as a 10-year-old.
A- I was really into art and poetry so what I’m saying is, is that I was not very popular. I was very much an indoors child. I don’t know if you’ve seen Nicole Kidman in The Others but the kids in that film, pressed against the window pane?! That’s basically me as a ten year old.
Q- What’s your worst on stage memory?
A- My worst onstage memory had to be performing at my own wedding. Your family are always going to be a tough crowd. They have heard it all before and most of the material is about them.
Q- Where are you at your happiest?
A- I am happiest when I am performing or when I’m hanging out with my son Ted and my lovely husband Fred.
Q- What’s your favourite colour?
A- I would have to say it has to be blue. All my favourite things are blue. The sea is blue. My mood is often blue and my sons eyes are the most perfect shade of blue so blue has to be my favourite colour.
Q- What’s the last book you enjoyed?
A- It’s one that I have just finished. I am a massive reader as anyone who follows me on Instagram will know. I’m big into the books. I have just finished Liane Moriarty book, Apples Never Fall. It is just a brilliant, brilliant book. She is an Australian writer. I couldn’t recommend it enough.
Q- What’s the last film / play you enjoyed?
A- The last play I enjoyed was Deirdre O’Kane’s show, Demented and Alison Spittle’s show, Wet. I know they are not strictly plays but they are definitely the best performances I have seen for a long, long time and I really enjoyed them.
In terms of films, The Lost Daughter is the last film that I loved. I really enjoyed it.
Q- What’s your favourite song of all time?
A- It has to be Britney Spears. Britneys’ Gimme More. Or a toss up between 17 Going Under by Sam Fender or All The Single Ladies by Beyonce.
Julie Jay will be on stage the stage on Thursday the 29th of September from 8pm.
Tickets available online here or through our box office : 057 9122911
The Women in Comedy Series is supported by the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme #NTESS#NTE22
