Existential musings inspire Ardal O’Hanlon’s latest show
Ardal O’Hanlon, the acclaimed stand-up comedian and actor, recently shared his experience of grappling with identity in everyday situations, such as struggling to pass through supermarket doors when they seemed to open for everyone else, including a pigeon, reports BritPanorama.
This incident marked a turning point for O’Hanlon, who recounted a prior encounter on a flight to New York, where a fellow passenger engaged him in conversation about his earlier work. Such moments prompted him to reflect: “Who am I? What am I? How did I end up like this?” He candidly admits to a tendency to introspect from a young age, often questioning his purpose.
This introspection is central to his latest stand-up show, Not Himself, with O’Hanlon currently on a second round of performances across the UK, despite recent challenges, including an ankle injury from tennis. “It’s shocking timing. But the Gods are probably trying to tell me something,” he said during a recent video call.
O’Hanlon is perhaps best known for his role as Father Dougal in the iconic sitcom Father Ted. Before achieving success on screen, he hails from Carrickmacross in County Monaghan and moved to London in the early 1990s, rapidly making a name for himself on the stand-up circuit. He secured the 1994 Hackney Empire New Act of the Year award with his unique observational humour.
He describes comedy as “a type of public service” that provides therapeutic benefits for both the audience and performer. His new show, while filled with humour about everyday absurdities, also delves deeply into personal identity, reflecting on his own journey and the complexities of modern life.
O’Hanlon explores how life experiences have shaped him, particularly his upbringing. His father, Rory O’Hanlon, a politician with the centre-right party Fianna Fáil, faced public scrutiny, which instilled resilience and a thick skin in his family. Though he didn’t share his father’s political views, O’Hanlon acknowledges the impact on his comedy and public persona.
He reflects on attending Blackrock College, a Dublin boarding school, which he admits was challenging but crucial in developing his independence. “Making people laugh kept you out of trouble,” he recalls, acknowledging the resilience he gained during those formative years.
As he discusses his evolving view of Irishness and Catholicism, O’Hanlon admits to a more nuanced appreciation of his heritage and religion. He recognizes a struggle with the Catholic Church’s historical authority and control but acknowledges the importance of community and ritual in his life.
In a notable event in 2024, O’Hanlon met Pope Francis at the Vatican, attending an event with an array of comedians to promote humour as a pathway to peace. Initially sceptical about accepting the invitation, he found himself in the company of renowned comedians, discussing the role of comedy in fostering community.
O’Hanlon’s enduring association with his character from Father Ted does not encompass his entire identity, though he acknowledges it has left an indelible mark. “There’s definitely parts of my identity in that character,” he states, though he is keen to move forward and embrace future projects.
Transitioning away from being typecast as Father Dougal was a challenge for O’Hanlon, but he has since flourished as a versatile performer, now set to release his third book, A Plot to Die For.
Above all, stand-up remains O’Hanlon’s passion, regarding it as both a craft and a platform for social change. He acknowledges, however, a conventional side to his personality, embracing his role as a model citizen, which he reflects upon with a blend of humour and self-awareness.
Ardal O’Hanlon is on tour with ‘Not Himself’ until September 2026. His latest novel, ‘A Plot to Die For’ (Simon & Schuster UK), is available to pre-order now.
