After a sold-out run in Dublin Fringe and a hugely successful Edinburgh Fringe run (4 stars, The Scotsman), Irish comedian Sophia Wren is bringing her hit debut show ‘Princess Melancholy’ on Tour in Ireland. One of Ireland’s fastest rising Irish comedy voices over the last couple of years, Sophia has won Ireland’s top competition ‘Show Me The Funny’, was a Finalist in The UK’s prestigious ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’ and was declared Funny Women’s ‘One to Watch’ in 2025. Sophia is already working on her follow-up show, which will be travelling to the Edinburgh Fringe 2026.
So, Sophia how did you get into comedy?
I spent a decade acting, filmmaking, illustrating and being a party princess when a period of mental illness made me turn to stand-up as a coping mechanism. Much to my surprise, I appeared to be quite good at it! After just a few weeks, I was spotted at an open mic and asked to perform at Dublin’s Funny Women event in Whelan’s. There, I was spotted by my now
manager, and haven’t stopped gigging since. My family haven’t a clue where I’ve been, but I’m very happy.
Tell us about your comedy style?
The Scotsman described my style as ‘lyrically and often hilariously filthy stand-up. An unstoppable stream of consciousness from a cocktail party princess determined to have her say despite the last drink having been poured and the party breaking up’.
I use sparkling and colourful language and don’t like to go a single beat without a punchline.
What’s your show about and where can we see it?
Princess Melancholy is me performing stand-up comedy at odds with my own toxic inner monologue that interrupts sporadically through voice-over. This voice is very recognisable for anyone who has ever experienced low self-esteem, emotional abuse, eating disorders or depression.
Still, I plough on, hilariously speaking about my experiences with men, motherhood and most frustratingly, ‘wellness’. It’s on in Cork (7 March), Dublin (8,15 March), Kilkenny (28 March) and
Galway (24 April) for now.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Great TV – Girls, Mrs Maisel, Buffy, comedians -Katherine Ryan, Bo Burnham, The Garry Star show I saw in Edinburgh and the thought that life is fleeting and ephemeral and we must grab the precious seconds while we can.
What do you think makes great comedy?
Originally, creativity, a loud passionate story you have to tell or else it will crush you. Not caring what anyone else thinks and not being boring.
Any advice for those starting out?
Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing, just focus on being better than you were yesterday. We all travel at our own pace and have your own stories to tell. And don’t bring too many gowns, you never get to wear as many as you’d like.
What’s next for you?
New hour for Edinburgh Fringe and Dublin Fringe. I also need to start working on other things. I want to write a sitcom and a book….. but I am full of procrastination and have spiders in my skeleton.
Who are your favourite Funny Women?
Orla Diamantino and Val Troy. They offered me my first proper gig gig 🙂
How does it feel to be doing your debut show?
I am constantly fighting imposter syndrome while also trying to grapple with the notion that I am somehow destined for this job. Its enough to send a girl in to psychosis,
What do you love most about comedy?
Creating something I am proud of creatively, a show that is resonating with people, it’s honestly the best feeling in the world.
You can find tickets for ‘Princess Melancholy’ here.
You can keep up with Sophia in all the usual places Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
