Mo Gilligan is 'in no rush to do stand-up at the O2 Arena' like Kevin Hart

Clara Amfo launches her new podcast This City with her first guest Mo Gilligan
No rush: Gilligan is not in a hurry to headline the O2
Getty Images
Tobi Akingbade20 January 2020
The Weekender

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Comedian Mo Gilligan has admitted to Clara Amfo that he is no rush to play the O2 Arena.

The TV host, speaking on the very first episode of Clara Amfo’s podcast This City, said that despite his rising career he is not over-eager to follow in the footsteps of comedians like Kevin Hart who have performed sold-out shows in the venue.

In the premiere episode - which airs on Tuesday - The Lateish Show host said that he has played the Indigo in the O2, but not the main arena, as bigger venues are not as fun for him.

Tthe 31-year-old explained: “I've seen Kevin Hart there, [with] the whole of London. And my perception is changing a little bit because the bigger venues I do are not as enjoyable.

“And I say that in a sense of, like, it takes longer for the laughter to travel. And that's why a lot of comics would say they like an intimate tight room because you're getting that reaction straight away, rather than this delayed reaction.”

He added that Wembley Arena is on his wish list but not before he tries out some smaller London hot spots.

“I definitely would want to do it just to say I've done the O2, but I don't think I'm in a rush to do it anytime soon. I kind of want to grow a little bit as well, kind of move up in terms of venues, like we've done some small ones at the beginning and then went to the Vaudeville in the West End and then onto Leicester Square Theatre,” the Big Narstie show host explained.

Mo will be appearing on Celeb Bake Off (Channel 4)

“That said the one I would want to do is Wembley Arena. I know I said the O2 is big but like to be a comic and do Wembley Arena. I would love to do Wembley Arena. I remember seeing Beyoncé there and it was so good.”

This City is a podcast that reveals the stories, hidden gems and certified spots tried by some of London’s most recognisable names.

Guests do not have to be born and bred in London but the capital should be a pivotal part of their lives.

The podcast will feature special guests including producer Mark Ronson, Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall and BAFTA award winning actor Louis Theroux.

Gilligan joined rapper Big Narstie as a co-host for the debut of the Big Narstie show in June 2018 after rising to international fame for his observational comedy clips on social media.

The south Londoner debuted The Lateish Show in July 2019 on Channel 4 and later celebrated his first comedy special on Netflix, Mo Gilligan: Momentum which was released globally in 190 countries

Subscribe to Clara Amfo’s new podcast This City now on Apple, Spotify and all other podcast providers. The first episode is out on January 21.

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