Beyond the back of beyond

It seems every time I write one of these articles I end up offending somebody. So this time I’m going to try to be nice. Maybe if I get one general uncontroversial insult out of the way at the start it might make it easier. Arsenal full back Ashley Cole is a right twat isn’t he?
OK, on with the niceness because there is so much to be nice about on the comedy front. In a welcome move, a lot of Irish comedians have come up with a solution to the lack of regular comedy gigs in the country. They’re all headlining their own shows in Vicar St. Dave McSavage, The Des Bishop, Joe Rooney and Dara O’Briain have all played recently and audiences seem to have voted, like thalidomides, with their feet and flocked to every show. A small price for the artists to pay for a brief chat with the increasingly Alan Partridge-like figure that is Pat Kenny on the steaming pile of offal that is The Late Late Show. So long may it continue although how long before we have ‘Peter Keatings Live At The Point For 10 nights Only’? I do feel I must point out that Jason Byrne, PJ Gallagher and myself were putting on shows at Vicar St long before it was fashionable and continue to do so. Proof of which is another all new show on Sunday May 16...
A look at any recent comedy listings will tell you that Joe Rooney has set himself the challenge of playing some of the most obscure places and venues around Ireland. Look at for his forthcoming gigs at, The Daingean Arts And Raincoat Centre followed by a trip to the Ringaskiddy Retirement Home for Stuttery Swans culminating with two nights Under the Stairs At Anto’s Aunties. It is indeed a brave and noble undertaking to play in places where it requires 150% of the population to be in attendance to break even...
In other news I’ve noticed that Des Bishop is setting up some gigs in Lucan in the near future. I’m not sure when or where and I probably should have rung him as research for this article but (a) I couldn’t be arsed and (b) The Des wouldn’t be reachable as he’s probably surfing down the Sugarloaf with some freedom fighters while explaining the inadequacies of the Social Welfare system to an infinite number of babes.
Oh, must give a mention for a new gig that’s running in Sligo. It’s at the Model Arts and Niland Gallery (sounds like Joe Rooney’s type of place). It’s once a month and very lovely. Get yourself down there...
Well, as Ardal used to say, ‘That’s all I know’. I don’t get out a lot at the moment. Myself, Jason and PJ are currently ensconced in writing our latest shit TV show, this time for BBC Northern Ireland’s Digital service no less. Which is basically BBC Northern Ireland with a bit of extra added Northie and has viewing figures comparable to the crowds under the stairs at Anto’s Aunties. I think I can guarantee the show’s awfulness due to apathy, a basic lack of talent, and Xbox...
Right, I think that’s it. I’d better just check back through this to make sure I haven’t offended anybody… hmm… oh bugger… shit… maybe I should change… naw, fuck ’em.
And as for Middlesborough full back Danny
Mills...

John Henderson, Jason Byrne and Pj Gallaghger play Vicar Street, Dublin on Sunday, May 16