FIRST Fortnight’s #fiveonfriday aims to provide an insight into performers, artists and creative minds, particularly those involved in the festival or who deal with mental health-related topics in their work.

This week it’s the turn of comedian Alison Spittle whose show ‘Alison Spittle Discovers Hawaii’ is running as part of First Fortnight ’16 in the Smock Alley Theatre tonight and tomorrow night.

Alison is a force to be reckoned with both on and off stage – her Twitter feed and YouTube videos are well worth a look for the uninitiated, while on stage she is the embodiment of all that is good about the Irish comedy scene. Whether it be in the Edinburgh fringe or at the International Bar, Alison’s wit rarely misses.

INTERVIEW: Michael Quinn

1. Despite admitting that your only experience of stand-up was watching Eddie Murphy’s Raw before delving into comedy, you seem to have found your vocation. What professions (if any) did you consider before becoming a comedian?

I wanted to be a radio DJ – when I was in Transition Year I used to text the Rick O’Shea Show while doing my homework. They rang me one day to go on air and talk…
Then they asked me to review films. The show moved to the afternoon so every Wednesday I would tell the teacher I needed the loo and wait with my phone in the school toilets and review films.
It was only while working at a radio station in Athlone that I was encouraged to do stand-up by the breakfast DJ. He organised a gig and told me to write five minutes and the rest is history. I still love the radio.

2. You are a proud Midlander and on an appearance on the Republic of Telly, you labelled Joe Dolan the ‘King of Mullingar’. What made him stand out?

Joe Dolan was a well-loved man in Mullingar, I remember the Stephen’s Day he died, we heard it on the radio and my granddad cried into his Guinness and told us about the time Joe Dolan gave him a belt. I mean belt as in the clothes type… it had love inscribed into it.
I actually listen to Joe on my Spotify and often when my family have a sing song someone always belts out “It’s you it’s you it’s you!” I think he has one of the best voices in Ireland.

3. Ireland is renowned for its comedy scene, with many big-name comics hailing from here, but many comedians get overlooked. Is there anybody on the current scene who you would recommend going to see?

Edwin Sammon will be touring Ireland this year supported by Andrea Farrell – the show is about his battle with cancer. I was blown away by a very special set of his a few years ago on the subject and I can’t wait to see it.
Ronan Grace will be playing Whelan’s the 11th of February, an exciting watch. In regards to newer acts; Teresa Coyne and Peter Flanagan are fantastic.

Since you’re involved with First Fortnight, we think it’s important to ask one question which touches on mental health…

4. You’ve been extremely open about experiencing issues with your own mental health, not least in your current show ‘Alison Spittle Discovers Hawaii’; what advice (if any) would you give those who are finding it difficult to confront?

You know, I feel weird advising people about mental health issues as everyone is different. If you have people around you, reach out and talk but if that isn’t enough, seek medical help. You know you the best and listen to yourself.

5. We know you recently selected songs for #FFfest16’s Co-Motion, but it’s the standard fifth question in the #FiveonFriday to choose 3 songs (from any time in your life) that you would reach out for to listen to if you weren’t feeling on top form?

The King of Rock n Roll, Prefab Sprout. I adore that song since I was a child. It was my ringtone as soon as I got a phone that let you record your ringtone.

Gigi d’Agustino – l’Amour Toujours
This reminds me of underage discos and parachute trousers, I listen to it for a kick and a laugh.

King Kunta – Kendrick Lamar
It makes me want to punch the air in happiness. And shout out the lyrics.

Alison Spittle Discovers Hawaii is in Dublin’s Smock Alley Theatre tonight and tomorrow (Friday & Saturday 15 -16 January 2016, 8pm). Tickets 15/12 euro. Check here for details:  https://firstfortnight.ticketsolve.com/#/shows/873543869