Amy Walsh is a sassy, energetic and witty comedian in Vancouver. With her biggest influence being her Irish Granny you’re guaranteed exceptional stories and lots of laughs. We connected with her to learn more about her love for comedy and what she’s working on.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Energetic storytelling in a joyful Irish accent.
Who are some of your influences?
My granny Patty. She’s in her 80s (I won’t out her completely with her age) and still brimming with mischief or as we’d say in Ireland, devilment. Her sharp wit is better than ever and she gives me fantastic material. Aisling Bea and Sharon Horgan as well. Two phenomenal Irish powerhouses. They’re both incredible producers, writers, comedians and actors. Their work together and separately has influenced me for years.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Tommy Tiernan (an Irish comedian) and Billy Connolly (a Scottish comedian). Both of those comedians were mainstays in our house. We had their videos and I loved seeing everyone dying laughing at them, even if I didn’t really understand the jokes fully. I thought making people laugh like that was pure magic.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Steph Tolev. I saw her at the Comedy Store in LA in 2021 and was like WHO IS THIS GOD. I’ve seen her a couple of times live since and met her at Just For Laughs Vancouver this year. She’s a hilarious Canadian legend.
What is your pre-show ritual?
When I’m really nervous, I gag. It doesn’t happen too much now but when it does, it’s weird.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Erin’s Pub, St John’s, Newfoundland. Newfies are beautiful hybrids of Irish and Canadians, I adore them. We have the same sense of humour and wild glint in our eyes. I didn’t have to slow down how I spoke for them, which was fantastic. It felt like a home away from home.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
My current favourite bit is about an observation about how there’s an Irish souvenir shop in Victoria rather than a British souvenir shop. I go on to educate the audience about how Ireland was the first to be colonized by Britain, how they tried to beat our language (Gaeilge) out of us and how they still live in part of my country for some reason. I’m proud of it because I want more people to understand the long-lasting effects of an oppressor within another country but also how we’re still fighting back. I swear it’s funny when you see it in real life.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
My friends and great comedians Faris Hyitaa and Niki Mohrdar are always educating me on North American comedians that I’ve never heard about. TikTok and Instagram reels are other good sources when the other two are slacking.
Tell us a joke about your city.
The sheer amount of Irish people here.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I run a dog-friendly comedy show called Big Dog Energy monthly in Vancouver and I’m also bringing it across the country. I also have a podcast called Soft For Us with Niki Mohrdar and Danielle Florence. You should check both of them out!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Some of my favourites are Cass Furman, Bradley Fung, Randee Neumeyer and Sean McDonnell.
