Al Porter gives 'serious thought' to panto return after eight years away

Comic Al Porter is set to make a comeback to panto – and the stage where his career began.

The funnyman started off in showbiz playing the dame in the famous Olympia pantomime in Dublin.

He stepped aside from the lead role when he was rocked by scandal in 2017.

The star was out of the limelight for six years until he returned to stand-up last year with a sell-out show.

Now the Tallaght native is contemplating a return to the panto stage. In an interview with the Irish Sunday Mirror, Al said: “Only this week the producers were onto me and would love me to be in it again.

“Honestly, I would love to do it. It’s been eight years since I was on stage in the panto. Last time I played the Dame, Polly, I was 23. Now, I’m 31.

“They asked me last year, but for me, that was too soon. I was only getting used to being back on stage with stand-up. By this Christmas, it’s two years back on stage and I’ve done a big tour so it’s different.

Al Porter as Polly in Christmas Panto ‘Polly and the Beanstalk’ which ran in the Olympia Theatre

“I’m giving it serious thought. It’s a very fun show. But I won’t rush in.

“It has to be right for the show. The producers tell me they get hundreds of messages every year asking if I’ll join the cast again, so that’s really encouraging.”

His comeback will mean creating a new character just for him.

“Maclean Burke, who plays Polly, is hilarious and brilliant and made it his own. So I’d need to write a new character.”

Al was accused of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour at the height of the MeToo movement.

But a sexual assault claim made to gardai was withdrawn by the DPP and he was cleared of an allegation in a hospital after a full investigation by authorities.

But the damage left Al’s life, career and reputation in tatters.

However, he continued to co-write and direct the panto with star Ryan Andrews, but left the stage.

Said Al: “It’s the only job I didn’t give up and every year, working with the panto family.

“It wouldn’t make a big difference to my Christmas to go back to acting in it, because for the last eight years I’ve been working in the theatre and at rehearsals every day anyway.

Al Porter

“I did panto long before I did stand up. So it could be a lot of fun to be onstage again. Let’s see.”

Al’s stand-up show Now is doing well, with sell-out shows meaning he added extra dates.

He said: “ I’m delighted with how well the tour’s going.

“I’m like Daniel O’ Donnell meeting everyone at the end of every show.

People find it funny and uplifting.

“The last seven years have been a big journey with a lot of change for me and it’s amazing to take audiences through that and show them how much I’ve learned while also having a laugh.

“I can’t wait for my June Vicar St because my Mam and my Dad Marian and Mick are going and there’s so many jokes about them and my family. I’m dying to see their reaction.

“None of us this would be possible if I hadn’t gotten sober and done a lot of work on myself over the last few years with the help of family and friends.”

Al Porter plays Vicar Street, Dublin on June 8.

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