I had the pleasure of attending the recording of comedian David O’Doherty‘s new live comedy album in Whelan‘s last week and the laughter has barely subsided since.

O’Doherty’s refusal to take himself seriously is showcased in hilarious songs composed and performed on a child’s Casio keyboard leaving the Whelan’s audience completely disarmed and totally at his mercy.

Songs such as “A duet with Shakira” and “Beats 2011″ left audience members in fits of laughter and screaming out for more. The show was perfectly paced with hilarious anecdotes between songs. Stories detailing the satisfaction of throwing his mobile phone in the Liffey during an argument with an ex-girlfriend and escaping out of a ticket fine by speaking Irish to a German tram conductor were just two examples of everyday interactions delivered in an inimitable O’Doherty style.

The Dubliner has become an established player on the international comedy stage having won the Edinburgh If Comedy Award (formerly the Perrier Awards) in 2008 and toured the US and UK with Tommy Tiernan and Rich Hall. This live performance has left me in no doubt that O’Doherty is one live comedy act you must catch. Or failing that buy his live comedy album to attract unwanted stares as you laugh hysterically at his musical musings.