The first time experiencing a new comic can be an interesting experience. It’s like the start of a new relationship because if this comedian is funny, then they’re someone fans could be spending a lot of time with, and for people who have never experienced British stand-up Mo Gilligan before, his new Netflix special There’s Mo to Life is almost guaranteed to convert new fans to his side.
Who Is Mo Gilligan?
For those who don’t know, Mo is still relatively new to the comedy game. He was working retail in London and uploading videos of his comedy online, as well as working clubs. Over time, he started to attract a following and build a fanbase. Reputedly, he had a breakout moment in 2017 when Drake came across his videos and started posting them to his own social media accounts.
A lot of North American fans are still cluing into Gilligan’s talent, but at this point, the man is a verifiable comedy star in the UK. He has his own late-night show called The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan, and he is co-hosting The Big Narstie Show. On top of that, he’s a regular panelist on a variety of series and produced a documentary called Black, British and Funny.
Why Should I Watch Mo Gilligan: There’s Mo to Life
His first Netflix special, Mo Gilligan: Momentum, dropped in 2019 and garnered great reviews. His follow-up, Mo Gilligan: There’s Mo to Life, made its way to Netflix in 2022 and has proven that the man is a comedy superstar. For anyone who has never experienced Mo before, this special shows off everything that has gotten him where his. The frenetic, high-energy delivery that hooks people in is front and center from moment one until he walks off the stage.
A big part of what makes Gilligan such a compelling comedian is how effectively he captures and directs that energy. Music plays a huge role in setting up and framing his jokes, with various tracks being used at different times throughout the special. That also leads to a lot of moments of audience interaction, which Gilligan executes perfectly and uses to create some of the best moments of the night.
Mo’s previous career in retail plays a big role in his overall act, as well as in this special. He quite accurately breaks down the realities of dealing with customers, being annoyed by management and just wanting to enjoy a quiet break in the lunchroom. Anyone who has worked retail can immediately identify with these jokes, and Mo very accurately points out that everyone should work retail in their lives to truly understand what it’s like.
Possibly the best part about watching a Mo Gilligan special is the fact that the man is obviously having fun doing what he does. Gilligan revels in the pure joy of him doing exactly what he wants by being a comedian, and that joy is absolutely infectious. All it takes is one joke and comedy fans are hooked on him. Mo Gilligan: There’s Mo to Life on Netflix is a great place to start for any Mo Gilligan newbies.
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