Enya Martin, the popular comedian known for her hit show Giz A Laugh, recently shared her concerns about cancel culture in the comedy industry. As she prepares to perform her new show Is It Just Me? in Dublin and at the Galway Comedy Festival, Enya revealed her biggest fear – being cancelled due to a joke taken out of context.
The rise of smartphones and social media has made it easier for audience members to record performances and share snippets online. Enya cited an example of comedian Kevin Bridges, who faced backlash after a joke about the royal family was recorded and circulated on Twitter. She emphasized the importance of context in comedy, expressing her fear of a joke being misconstrued and leading to cancellation.
Enya also discussed the challenges of maintaining a balance between comedic performance and addressing inappropriate behavior from audience members. She praised fellow comic Tommy Tiernan for his skill in handling disruptive audience members and acknowledged the difficulty of transitioning from comedy to addressing serious issues on stage.
In her own comedy, Enya emphasized her commitment to avoiding making fun of niche communities. She highlighted the importance of universal themes in her material, focusing on topics that resonate with a wide audience. While she acknowledged that some comedians may choose to target specific groups for humor, Enya preferred to steer clear of potentially offensive content.
Despite her success in the comedy industry, Enya admitted to experiencing imposter syndrome at times. She discussed the challenge of maintaining freshness in material while performing multiple shows, noting the importance of connecting with her audience through new material. Enya also shared her excitement about the upcoming release of her first comedy book, One For The Girlos, which explores female friendship dynamics in a humorous way.
Throughout her career, Enya has embraced opportunities that have come her way through social media interactions, particularly through direct messages. She reflected on the surreal experience of writing her first book and emphasized the value of patience and perseverance in pursuing creative endeavors.
As Enya continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of comedy and entertainment, she remains committed to engaging with her audience and delivering meaningful content that resonates with diverse audiences. Her insights on cancel culture, audience interaction, and creative opportunities offer valuable perspectives on the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in comedy.
