Matthew McAloone
Published: Tuesday 25th March 2025
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week that funny person is Matthew McAloone, from the fine city of Belfast, who's at London's Bill Murray on 6th April with a show called Nature versus Nurture. Where he solves the great Darwinian conundrum? Or takes a deep dive closer to home?
"The general theme is looking back on growing up," says McAloone, "and wondering how much of who I am is because of '80's/90's Northern Ireland imprinting on me - or is it more the influence of what was a close family with big characters? I feel like as the show has evolved there was definitely flirtations with a conclusion, but what I'm really enjoying is how much people from all over the world are relating to what I grew up with."
And what of modern McAloone - how is 2025 going for Matthew so far?
"2025 so far has been a blast. I went back to Stockholm for a few shows as a follow up to a single show last year, then a run through the rest of Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark. My last few years has been punctuated by a lot of European adventures where we get a lot more time on stage which, as a storyteller, is absolutely ideal."
Hygge gigs - it's the way forward. Now, Matthew McAloone, your Random 8 await:
Who is - or was - your most interesting relative?
Ohhh, this is a tough one. I'm blessed with a few solid options, but removing those with a legally dubious backstory I'd settle on my grandfather. He was senior in the Irish Agricultural Industry, and left a serious legacy behind him. He was also very well read, a great speaker, and prone to car accidents he hid from the family by replacing his car with exact matches and swapping the plates.
What's the greatest invention, ever?
I mean, the wheel is pretty great, but it feels lazy, then the internet has pretty much meant wheels are optional now. I'll fall in the middle and go with the electric guitar. As a comedian I'm perpetually jealous of musicians, and nothing is cooler than a Fender Stratocaster being ripped through an amp pumped up to 10.
Your favourite phrase or expression?
"Worse things have happened to better people" is an extension of the classic Irish expression "Sure, you know yourself". It's ingrained [in us] to despise sounding as if you're moaning, or looking for sympathy. So it's key to have a line to break out in the event you've ever accidentally said something that strays into such territory.
"Worse things have happened to better people" is a fantastic way to deflect anyone feeling bad for you. Which is a total win.
Ever walked out of a film (before the end)?
I'm usually pretty happy to be in a cinema (sweet tooth guilt doesn't apply within a cinema), and have sat through some knowingly crap movies (I'm looking at you, Marvel since Endgame). With that said, I was pretty swift to vacate about 20 minutes into the first Narnia movie. I was in my early 20s, so you might suggest it wasn't for me to start with, but that younger brother was too slappable for me to take.
What's your favourite mode of transport?
I'm a massive fan of the bus system in Belfast. As long as the driver actually stops for you. That's not a given. If they're making good time, they don't let a prospective passenger get in the way.
The worst job you've ever had?
I once did two shifts in a Sainsbury as a Nectar card signup rep. It was in East Belfast so there was a natural hostility, and despite the entire premise of the card being to reward at no cost to the cardholder, most conversations descended into a shouting match and one near-fistfight.
I'm actually good with people, but I don't think anyone with a clipboard comes across well.
How do you feel about cats (the animal, not the musical)?
I'd rather watch the movie version of the musical everyday than to keep a cat at home. Allergies, mixed with a deep distrust of them, mean I'm very serious about that.
What's your favourite bit of furniture, ever?
A good bar stool. And it has to be within an arm's reach of a hook for a jacket or coat. Essential. Coats on the back of a stool is a risky proposition. Too many times my weighty coat has pulled a stool to the ground like a UFC fighter taking an opponent's back.
Matthew McAloone: Nature versus Nurture is at London's Bill Murray on 6th April. Tickets
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