Après Match's Risteárd Cooper

Risteárd Cooper, the master impressionist behind Apres Match, reveals how his comedic craft evolved from studying the physicality and vocal rhythms of figures like Pat Kenny to creating satirical sketches that gently mocked public personas without malice. He argues that comedy’s true power lies not in humiliation but in spotlighting the performative nature of public figures—especially those in comfortable positions—through exaggeration that reveals their self-image. With his new solo show, Out of His Head, Cooper blends nostalgic Apres Match characters with fresh political impressions of figures like Simon Harris and Jim O'Callaghan, adapting weekly to current events. He insists that in today’s outrage-heavy media climate, humor isn’t escapism—it’s essential emotional relief. His philosophy? Make people laugh first, provoke thought second, and never target the vulnerable. The show, he says, is a lifeline for audiences drowning in negativity. Cooper reflects on the shifting cultural landscape of Irish satire, from the boldness of 1998’s Apres Match to today’s more cautious media environment. He notes that while some figures, like Will Slattery, embrace being impersonated, others remain unimpressed—though he declines to name them. His own family life, shaped by performance, remains a sanctuary: he refuses to mimic his children, preserving family harmony.