Comedy previews for the next fortnight

Whether you prefer your comedy saccharine-sweet, glitzy ‘n glam or positively political, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs this fortnight.

First up, it’s Bouncers at the Tivoli Theatre. Written by John Godber, this musical delight is set amidst a sea of stonewashed denim, blue eyeshadow and cascading mullets – yep, say hello to the Dublin of the ‘80s. The play’s cast consists of just four actors, who portray over twenty characters in this glitzy and theatrical production, which – I might add – was nominated for the UK Comedy of the Year award in 1985. It runs in the Tivoli until April 9.

To the midlands next, where the Mullingar Arts Centre plays host to Come Blow Your Horn, Neil Simon’s famous first play. Set in ‘swinging sixties’ New York, it follows the misadventures of two brothers, who come to realise that the hedonistic bachelor’s lifestyle ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. Hear, hear! This production, presented by Little Brother Theatre Company and directed by Aidan Ennis, runs from April 13 – 15.

If promiscuity and wanton experimentation don’t do it for you though, why not head north for a hearty dose of political satire? Give My Head Peace Live plays a one-off show in Tyrone’s Alley Arts and Conference Centre on April 14, followed by a four-day stint in Belfast’s Grand Opera House, 18 – 21. This play is based on the BBC Northern Ireland show of the same name, and pokes fun at the clichéd personas often associated with residents of the six counties. For example, ‘Da’ is an ardent Catholic and nationalist, who sports a very Gerry Adams-esque beard-and-glasses combo. He wholly endorses Irish culture, but can’t speak the language. ‘Uncle Andy’ on the other hand, is passionate about two things – Elvis and British Ulster.

Somewhat less politically charged, D’Unbelievables continue their tour of the nation with a series of shows. They're at Galway’s Leisureland from April 6 – 9, the Tullamore Court Hotel (15 & 16) and Dublin's Vicar St. (18 – 21 & 23). There’s a Father Ted Special featuring Joe Rooney and Patrick McDonnell, (aka Father Damo and Eoin McLove) in The Thatch, Kilkenny on April 8, and the wonderfully vulgar PJ Gallagher heads south (snigger) for a show in Waterford’s Theatre Royal on April 15.

Glasgow black comedy Singin’ I’m No A Billy, He’s A Tim continues its Irish run with a show in the NLP Theatre, Donegal on April 9, while Dubliner Ed Byrne also heads north – he’ll take to the Waterfront Hall Auditorium’s stage on April 14 and 15. In Monaghan, recent HP interviewee David McSavage takes part in the Brew Ha Ha Comedy Club in McKenna’s, Monaghan. The Savage Eye creator will perform alongside Gerry McBride and Simon Keeffe on April 8, while Maeve Higgins will take to the Whelan’s stage in Dublin on April 15 and 20.