Your Fortnight Ahead In Comedy

There’s an impressive line-up at this year’s Vodafone Comedy Festival, set in the idyllic surrounds of the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin. The bill includes a host of international and homegrown acts, established stars and newcomers.

The doyens of BBC panel show land are flocking to Dublin for the fest. Lee Mack of Would I Lie To You fame and Liverpool charmer John Bishop are among the attractions. Reginald D. Hunter’s drawling American wit will also be on show.
The Irish contingent is exceptionally strong, too. Tommy Tiernan and his former Navan school chum Dylan Moran are among the biggest stars slated to appear.
Audiences will get another chance to enjoy emerging star Sean Nolan, whose explosively funny one-liners saw him win at the RTÉ New Comedy Awards last month. The magnificent trio of Foils, Arms and Hog are also among the performers.
David O’Doherty, Ardal O’Hanlon, Eleanor Tiernan and Neil Delamere provide further highlights. See vodafonecomedy.com for more.
Elsewhere, acerbic US stand-up Greg Proops will be performing his humbly titled Smartest Man In The World show at Roisin Dubh, Galway on July 25. The night before, on July 24, David O’Doherty brings his discursive humour to the Town Hall Theatre, Galway. And just a few hours before that, Andrew Maxwell performs, again at the Roisin Dubh.
TG4 are on the hunt for Ireland’s funniest Gaeilgeoir. “GIG” (An Gaeilgeoir is Greannmhaire) is their new eight-part reality TV show to be screened in 2014. The winner will take home a cash prize – and a slot at a major comedy festival in 2014. Any comedy discipline is welcome but applicants must be over 18. Fluent Irish is a must. For more information call (01) 497 3225 or 087 2387222. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or check out goodcompany.ie

BEST OF THE REST
Jason Byrne, Live in Howth ( July 21)
Colm O’Regan, Capital Comedy Club ( July 28)