Sean Smith chats with comedian and actor Sarah McGillion about her group’s Viking Saga comedy show, the clash of Danish and Irish humour, and why sitting in the front row at an improv show is the best seat in the house!
Sarah McGillan has lived in Denmark for the last ten years, performing with SuperCut, an improv comedy troupe that has been entertaining audiences across Europe. Known for turning audience suggestions into spontaneous and unpredictable stories, SuperCut is now bringing their Viking Saga show to Dublin. Ahead of their performance at Smock Alley on April 4th, I sat down with Sarah to talk about this homecoming moment, the art of improv, and what Irish audiences can expect.
After performing across Europe, how does it feel to finally be bringing this show to Dublin?
Honestly, it’s pretty special. I grew up performing in Dublin—I trained at Ann Kavanagh’s Young People’s Theatre, took my RIAM exams, and competed in Feis Maitiú every year until I moved away at 18. Now, after all these years, I finally get to bring a show here! And not just any show, but one that taps into storytelling, history, and a bit of madness—things that Irish audiences love.
So, what exactly is the Viking Saga show?
It’s completely improvised, which means no two shows are ever the same. We take audience suggestions and build a full Viking-inspired story on the spot—sometimes it’s an epic battle, sometimes it’s a Viking just trying to retire in peace, but somehow getting pulled back in for ‘one last raid.’ Expect big characters, plenty of chaos… and at least one questionable Scandinavian accent.
What makes improv different from other types of comedy?
With stand-up, you have a set routine. With sketch comedy, you have scripts. But improv? It’s pure spontaneity. We step on stage with nothing, and within minutes, we’re creating entire worlds out of thin air—based on whatever the audience throws at us. There’s an energy to that, a feeling that anything can happen, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
Danish vs. Irish humour—how do they compare?
Danish humour is very dry and sarcastic. It’s subtle—you might say something completely outrageous, but with a straight face. Irish humour, on the other hand, is all about storytelling, exaggeration, and a bit of self-deprecation. Both love the absurd, but in Denmark, you might get a quiet chuckle, while in Ireland, you’ll get a full-on belly laugh.
And what about sitting in the front row—risky or rewarding?
Oh, it’s the best seat in the house! You won’t get dragged on stage, but you will be part of the show. We take audience suggestions to shape the story and if you’re up front, you’ll be right in the middle of the action. Plus, you’ll get the best view of our ridiculous Viking costumes!
SuperCut’s Viking Saga lands at Smock Alley Theatre on April 4th—don’t miss your chance to see history rewritten in the most hilarious way possible
Tickets: https://smockalley.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873651824
