It’s been a busy few weeks for Tyrone man Kevin McAleer, who performed at the Bulmers Comedy Tent at Kilmainham’s Forbidden Fruit before heading to Kilkenny for the annual Cat Laughs extravaganza. There, he took a leaf out of Des Bishop’s well-thumbed book – by embracing the ol’ Gaeilge.

Having recently presented Our Friends In The North, a four-part RTÉ documentary about Ulster-Scots culture in Northern Ireland, McAleer explained to HP’s Olaf Tyaransen in our last issue; “That was something very new to me… I’d be interested if someone came to me with another idea. Actually, I’m learning Irish as well; that’s my big obsession at the moment. I’m doing my show in Irish at the Cat Laughs this year. I’ve just had it translated, so I’m busy learning that.” Catch McAleer’s Louth show at the Spirit Store – which will be in English – on June 16.
Speaking of the Bishops – Des’ lil bro Aidan is out and about this fortnight too. The New Yorker – who relocated to Dublin, where he MCs at the International Comedy Club – will perform two shows this fortnight. Catch him at the Civic Theatre, Dublin (June 8) and then in the sunny south-east, at Wexford Arts Centre (20).
There’s plenty happening in Dublin’s Laughter Lounge over the next two weeks – first up, the venue plays host to Limerick man Karl Spain for a three-night run (13, 14, 15) before welcoming a Father Ted Special (20, 21, 22) through its quayside doors; set to perform are Joe Rooney and Patrick McDonnell, with support from Colum McDonnell and John Brennan.

BEST OF THE REST
Paul Myrehaug plus guests: Laughter Lounge, Dublin (6, 7, 8), Fred Cooke: 5th on Teeling, Sligo (7), Andrew Maxwell: GBS Theatre, Carlow (14), Chris Kent: Alley Arts & Conference Centre, Tyrone (20).