Paddy C Courtney is an actor and screenwriter from Dublin. He retired from a fifteen year stand-up comedy career in 2011 to concentrate on acting and writing for stage, screen and radio.
His writing credits include the IFTA nominated TG4 comedy drama ‘Paddywhackery,’ a Screen Ireland short ‘Don’t Leave Me Hanging,’ 100 episodes of the RTEjr show ‘Dig In Diner’ and his first animation ‘Jessy & Nessy’ will air on Amazon in spring 2020. Paddy’s acting credits include the feature film ‘A Bump Along The Way,’ ‘Brassic’ on SKY 1, ‘Safe’ on Netflix and the new RTE comedy drama ‘The South Westerlies.’
Where can we find more about you online?
On Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or if you want to business your face off, you can get me on LinkedIn.
Introduce yourself as your granny would please..
This is Paddy or Patrick when he’s in trouble; I have seven thousand, three hundred and forty eight grand children, but I remember this one as he’s the specky fella that almost died, who’s always spinning yarns to anyone that’ll listen.
Have you participated in The 24 Hour Plays in aid of Dublin Youth Theatre before? If yes what is your fondest/ most nightmare causing memories? If no what are you looking forward to/ terrified of?
I’m a 24 hour plays virgin and I’m not ashamed to say that a little puke and pee fell out of me when I was asked to participate.
I’m so looking forward to seeing my first ever play coming to life on the stage of our national theatre in the capable hands of the amazingly talented directors and actors that have agreed to share this rollercoaster ride. But what if my fingers fall off and my mind goes on strike and the words and emotions refuse to flow…..? Seriously, what if…..? I think I know the answer already……THEY WON’T!
When you think back to yourself as a teenager what change in yourself has been most surprising to you as an adult?
I’m so surprised that I haven’t grown one bleedin’ inch since I was a teenager. Like COME ON!!! I think I must be a distant relation of Michael J. Fox, Michael D. Higgins or Thumbelina. Other than that, I’m surprised that I can call storytelling my actual real life job, rather than a means to make bullies not hit me and girls kiss me.
If you could change one thing about theatre in Ireland what would it be? Woah! #Deep
Give the voiceless a voice. Look beyond those that want to tell stories for a living and listen to those that actually live their stories.
Comedy or Tragedy? Why?
Comedy always, because life provides too much of the other.