The countdown is on to this year’s Forbidden Fruit fest, taking place in the scenic surroundings of the IMMA grounds in Kilmainham, Dublin. And though the musical line-up is looking particularly tasty, forget ye not that the Bulmers Pear Comedy Tent returns to the festival once more too, with a stellar cast of comics lined up to keep you entertained!

Over the course of the weekend, fans will be treated to the comedic prowess of Tyrone man Kevin McAleer, who the more mature reader might remember from RTÉ’s Nighthawks way back in the ‘80s.
Joining McAleer is the one and only David McSavage. Though he’s struck up something of a love-hate relationship with the Irish people, we fell in love the moment we saw him play Joe Duffy in a leather-bound, nipple-clamped skit on The Savage Eye… ‘But how bad does it make you feel??’
Also set to perform at FF are The Nualas, Foil Arms & Hog, The Hairy Bowzies as well as newbies Al Porter, Christiane O’Mahony, Robbie Bonham, George Fox and Paul Currie. Gerry Mallon meanwhile will be your faithful MC for the weekend. See forbiddenfruit.ie/comedy for more.
If you’re heading out of Dublin, comedy fans should also note that the annual Kilkenny Cat Laughs fest is also taking place over the June bank holiday weekend. The cream of both the Irish and international crop will descend on the town from May 30 – June 3, with performances lined up from (deep breath) David O’Doherty, Neil Delamere, Aidan Bishop, Marcus Brigstocke (interviewed last issue), Eleanor Tiernan, Colm O’Regan and Dom Irrera, to name but a few. thecatlaughs.com has all the details, plus ticket info.

BEST OF THE REST
Reginald D. Hunter, Millenium Forum, Derry (May 23), Vicar St. (24), Waterfront Hall Auditorium, Belfast (30), Eddie Izzard, Odyssey, Belfast (May 25), O2, Dublin (26)