Amy chats to Tom Moran who is preparing to head up North to Edinburgh with his show Tom Moran is a Big Fat Filthy Disgusting Liar.
Hey Tom – here’s your chance to give an elevator pitch, can you give us a brief synopsis?
This show has been described, as “Like a Netflix comedy special”, but it morphs from stand-up into something more profound. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll feel incredibly seen, even relieved that someone else shares your secrets. It should feel like a super honest sleepover with your mate where you tell each other everything, even stuff you’re afraid of, but by the end of the night, both of you are sobbing messes and realise you love each other more.
What inspired the show?
So, as a kid, I told an absolutely insane lie—like, however bad you’re thinking, I promise, it’s crazier—and the show is about that little boy who lies, growing into a man who still lies. But as I got older, the stakes got higher. I self-medicated pain with more self-destructive things, like people-pleasing, alcohol, relationships and sex, which took its toll on others and on myself. So really, this show is about going right back, back to your past to salvage your future. I wanted to write a really, really honest show, one that’s both hopeful and funny.
How important is the Fringe for new work? And how does it feel to be at the Fringe this year?
As an Irish writer-performer, Edinburgh is the dream. We were lucky enough to premiere our show at Dublin Fringe in 2022 where we won the Fishamble New Writing Award and were described as, “The most searingly honest and moving show of the year” in a 5-star review by The Arts Review. So really, blown away by the incredibly kind feedback, we knew that the next step was Edinburgh Fringe. And to be at the Pleasance, my favourite venue here, is honestly beyond a dream.
What are the main themes within the production, and what can audiences expect?
The show is the most honest thing I’ve ever written. (And I know I’m a liar, but you can trust me on this). But at the same time, it’s incredibly funny, brimming with joy and compassion. It’s a very hopeful story that deals with trauma, and how our childhoods shape the way we grow up, but the real message is, if you learn to trust yourself, who you are will always be enough. And that, for me, mirrors my journey, of learning not to lie or keep secrets or hide. That who I am is not this terrible thing. That me being me is enough.
Finally, with so many shows at the Edinburgh Fringe why should people book a ticket to Tom Moran is a Big Fat Filthy Disgusting Liar?
For me, this show is what the fringe is all about. It’s hilarious, heartbreaking, honest, debaucherous, joyous, rebellious and brimming with heart. It’s been likened to a Netflix comedy special, so there are definitely laughs which come easily and fast. But I think what our audiences really connect with is the rawness and honesty of the show. But most of all, we love the energy of Edinburgh, and we think our show will fit in really well. It’s got tonnes of laughs, even more, and we’d love to be a part of your fringe.
Tom Moran is a Big Fat Filthy Disgusting Liar is on at Pleasance Courtyard, Below, from 2 – 28 Aug (not 15) at 15:10 (60 mins). – find out more here!
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