Vittorio Angelone shares hilarious response to article calling his comedy ‘unapologetically local’

The comedian admitted he had 'mixed feelings' about the article.

The piece in question was published by The Irish Times on Saturday (2 May), with the headline: "The performance of Irishness for outside approval is finished."

The article highlights the comedian, alongside Kneecap and Sally Rooney, as Irish artists whose work is more interested in exploring contemporary Irish issues than presenting a glamourised view of the Emerald Isle to outsiders.

Referring to Angelone, the article states: "Northern Ireland no longer needs American politicians to narrate its story any more than its artists need American audiences to validate their work.

"What makes Angelone worth watching is not that he clears the bar for serious art, but that he does not care about clearing it.

"His comedy is unapologetically local, layered with references that do not travel, and with punchlines that reward a very specific post-Belfast Agreement, west Belfast sensibility. If you are not in on it, that is your problem, not his."

Though Angelone was being praised in the article, the comedian took to Instagram to admit that he had "mixed feelings" about the IT piece. In particular, he highlighted the line about his comedy being "local" and having references that "do not travel".

In response, he said: "Turns out the show I wrote in London, debuted in Edinburgh, performed in New York and toured round the UK & Ireland for 4 months doesn't make sense outside of West Belfast.

"Apologies in advance to the audiences in LA, NY, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto, Nashville, Austin and Chicago.

"This must be difficult news to take, but imagine how I feel. I wrote the show, but because I'm from South Belfast, I haven't a clue what it's all about.

"Please respect my family's privacy while we process this difficult news."

The comedian did also note, however, that it was "cool" to be listed among artists he admires.

You can check out his full response below, and the Irish Times article itself here.