Dead naming is a term that deliberately refers to a trans person’s original name, rather than the one they prefer to be known for. This in mental health terms can be a subtle way to say to the person in question that they are no longer accepted, welcome or part of the family or social group without actually saying it. What if someone were to turn that name on its head and explore the possibility of using it in a more positively cathartic way to say goodbye to that original self and welcome the new life in? This is what comedian Dian Cathal does in his brilliant comedy show Deadnamed, whilst fusing fact and fiction, with a little Irish Folklore as part of the journey ahead.
DeadnamedIf there was ever a dramatic entrance this Brighton Fringe, it was Cathal’s. As soon as we entered the Pip venue at Rotunda, the first thing we saw was a coffin on stage with a top hat on top of it and flowers complementing it, with haunting music in the background playing artists like Loreena McKennit. When we were all settled, the lighting turned dramatic and after a brief pause, the coffin opened to reveal Cathal! As he dryly observed, ‘I heard everything!’ From here on in, what we witnessed was a highly on-point observational and witty monologue, with the perfect balance of real-life experiences in dead-naming, plus stories of the Fae granting wishes for a price and a changeling being a metaphor for someone who was different.
Cathal was the epitome of comedic sophistication. Using a nod to Victorian costume, as well as toys and a letter hidden in the coffin, visually made the experience complete as he said goodbye to his old self with dramatic flair, as well as respect for those who had contributed to his former self’s life. Although the main part of the show was based on real-life stories he had heard along the way, he became so immersed in the emotional side of the show that a tear or two was shed by both performer and audience. This made the connection heartfelt with a raw honesty that stunned everyone into silence. It was that powerful, as we learned the reality of what the trans community are facing. He also brought a good amount of lightness into the proceedings at well-timed, unexpected moments, which left us wanting more.
The major highlight of Deadnamed was the storytelling aspect. Cathal weaved a web of magic into the show that enchanted even the coldest of hearts and integrated Irish Folklore alongside his past life, showing that everything you do has consequences. We just need to know our worth. Cathal cleverly integrated these aspects and more into the show to create a humorous experience with a layer of fantasy, fact and fiction that set it apart from other comedy shows in the fringe.
Cathal is insightful, cheeky and honest in Deadnamed and is a force to be reckoned with on the comedy circuit. This is a hidden gem of the fringe, which is extremely highly recommended to see.
Sascha Cooper
Join award-winning comedian Dian Cathal for “Deadnamed,” a heartfelt and hilarious funeral for his old self. Challenging mainstream narratives around the “loss” often associated with coming out as transgender, Dian offers a deeply personal, unfiltered perspective—blending sharp wit, Irish folklore, and raw storytelling into a one-of-a-kind performance.
With a coffin on stage and a top hat in hand, he unpacks the complexities of identity, love, and acceptance, all while keeping the audience laughing. It’s a journey through laughter and tears, where tough truths are met with warmth and wit. It’s a funeral like no other, and it’s time to hear the trans experience directly from a trans man.
“Deadnamed” has captivated audiences and earned rave reviews for balancing profound themes with humor and heart. As one reviewer put it: “An intensely raw performance… sharing his experience with humour, honesty, and love.”
The trans debate with an actual trans person, can you imagine?