JOE has been hearing sordid rumours about what hen party-goers get up to with male strippers when their better halves are not around, so we’ve interviewed an industry insider to find out what really goes on. Mayo-born male stripper Marty works for long-standing agency Strip Ireland where he both performs at hens and birthday parties, and helps to teach new arrivals.
By Robert Carry
JOE.ie: So why did you decide to get involved in stripping?
Marty: Well, I had just split up with a long-term partner and I was looking for a way to piss her off. I came across an ad looking for male strippers in the paper and I responded to it. I went along and did a few gigs. I enjoyed it and got addicted to the money, so that was it.
JOE: So how did the first gig go, were you nervous?
Marty: The first one was a nervous moment. I had done some sex shows in Amsterdam before – I went to swinging and fetish clubs there and got involved a couple of times. But that was more of a personal thing, it wasn’t for money. But it gave me the confidence to do this.
JOE: How did it go down with the punters?
Marty: It went very well. I was lucky really. I think if your first one goes badly then you wouldn’t be that keen on doing another one. But it went down well and that gave me the confidence to carry on.
JOE: Did you do the full monty so to speak?
Marty: I did indeed, yeah.
JOE: Is that standard across the board here?
Marty: Not really, a lot of fellas don’t do it. But it depends on the crowd – if the crowd want it then I give it to them because it can seem like you’re a bit of a fraud if you don’t. But Ireland is still behind the times in some ways so there are a lot of people who wouldn’t want you to – in those cases I obviously wouldn’t. That said, 90 per cent of them do want the full monty.
JOE: We’ve heard stories of male strippers going to hens parties and the girls getting very friendly towards the performers so to speak. Is this something you have come across?
Marty: Yes, but you have to be professional. I try to avoid having relations with the girls. Hens parties can be messy – there is often two sides of a family present so Strip Ireland wouldn’t be encouraging you to have relations. That said, I know lads [from other companies] who do it. Some of them strip just to get women but personally I avoid it. I do get the opportunity a lot, but it’s unprofessional to do anything about it. I think the reason why I have lasted so long in this game is because I don’t deal with anyone from work. There is obviously nothing negative to go back to the agency so I keep getting more work. I don’t know how long you would last if you were seeing people from work.
JOE: Do you get girls throwing their number at you?
Marty: Yeah, and I would normally take them. Then they would text away for a couple of days and when they don’t get a response they generally give up. Then there are also girls who, I suppose, would be a bit intimidated by who you are and what you do.
JOE: Have you ever heard of guys working as strippers and then that kicking over into male escort work?
Marty: Not really, no. I don’t think women pay for sex full stop in Ireland. I’ve heard of fellas abroad, in England and elsewhere, that have been paid extra to go home with people, but I haven’t heard of it here. I haven’t been offered it anyway.
JOE: What do you like most about your work?
Marty: I like the attention; it’s good for your confidence. The money is also really good which gives you a lot of freedom during the rest of the week. Obviously there’s a bit of work involved in going to the gym and keeping fit but by comparison with other jobs the money you get for the time you put in is great.
JOE: Are there any issues with friends and family? What do they make of it?
Marty: You might get a few people judging you for what you do alright. Some people judge you instantly because you’re a stripper, but that’s their problem and it doesn’t really affect me. I have had people say things, some people behave like you’re the dirtiest thing on wheels because you take your clothes off, but you get over that.
JOE: So is it full-time?
Marty: It is full-time. I’m also working with the agency, helping to train new people that are interested in joining the team. Strip Ireland is always looking for new people.
JOE: There are probably a lot of lads who might be thinking to themselves that they would be well able for this type of work. Is it something that anyone can walk into?
Marty: Not really, no. There is a particular mind-set that you need. We get a lot of people who are interested in doing it and they come along to a gig or two to watch. They think they can do it but when it comes down to the big night, they go missing.
JOE: What would be the checklist for people who want to get involved, I take it they have to be in shape?
Marty: Not really, no, but they have to have something about them. They need to be an entertainer really. I don’t think the body is a must-have. I mean it certainly helps if you’re fit and tanned, but I think if you have self-confidence and can perform and dance and make people laugh then it doesn’t really matter how you look really.
So there you have it. If you’ve got a winning smile and an entertaining personality, you may just have stumbled upon your new career. If you think you’ve got what it takes, or if you want to book a male or female stripper, then click here for details.
