Seón Simpson’s Monologue Shines at Dublin Fringe Festival

Seón Simpson captivated audiences at the Dublin Fringe Festival with her thought-provoking and humorous monologue, “On a Tangent.” The performance, which runs until September 13, 2025, at the New Theatre, blends comedy with personal narratives about mental health, exploring complex themes through a unique lens.

In this crowd-pleasing show, Simpson asserts, “Being a funny c**t is a trauma response,” encapsulating her approach to both humor and healing. As part of the innovative creative duo SkelpieLimmer, alongside Gina Donnelly, she has gained recognition for her boundary-pushing works, including the award-winning “Two Fingers Up,” which received a Lustrum award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Simpson’s performance dives into her teenage experiences, drawing from her past poetry blog on DeviantArt. With a mix of wit and vulnerability, she recounts her sexual misadventures and the absurdities of growing up within the Church of Ireland. For instance, she humorously compares Bible camp to a swingers’ meet and reveals a clandestine liaison with the minister’s son that leads to unexpected escapades.

The content delves deeper than mere comedy. Simpson addresses serious topics such as depression and suicidal ideation, weaving in impersonations of famous comedians like Billy Connolly and Victoria Wood. Her candid storytelling resonates with audiences, particularly fans of trauma-driven comedy, akin to Eva Victor’s film “Sorry, Baby.”

As Simpson explores her journey with mental health, she asks challenging questions: Can suicide be funny? And why should it be? Her compelling narrative invites the audience to reflect on these themes while providing an exhilarating experience through her unfiltered honesty.

The show is not only entertaining; it also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness. For those seeking support, the Samaritans can be contacted at freephone: 116 123 or via email at [email protected].

Seón Simpson’s “On a Tangent” exemplifies how comedy can serve as a powerful tool for discussing difficult subjects, making it a must-see at this year’s Dublin Fringe Festival.