Feeling fruity

Over the June bank holiday weekend (2 – 4), a host of Irish and international musicians head to the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham for the second Forbidden Fruit festival. And while punters will be kept entertained by the likes of Beirut, Leftfield, New Order, Wilco, Friendly Fires and Booka Shade, don’t forget there’ll be lots happening in the festival’s Comedy Tent too.

On Saturday, Danny Dowling is on MC duties, while the likes of Dundalk man Colm McDonnell, Carol Tobin (“My favourite ever Irish female comedian… unpredictably kooky and borderline psychotic” says our man Olaf T) and Joy In The Hood’s Willa White take to the stage. We’re especially looking forward to Aidan Bishop’s show, while we’re nervously excited at the prospect of Late Night Gimp Fight – the all-male sketch group “whose comedy will leave you feeling violated.” Yikes...
Sunday boasts another stellar stand-up bill. Gerry Mallon is MC for the day, welcoming Brendan Burke, Republic Of Telly’s Bernard O’Shea and the hilarious character-based comic Kevin Gildea. Also set to perform is Father Ted and Killinaskully actor Joe Rooney as well as his fellow former FT cast-mate, the fantastic Ardal O’Hanlon.
Which brings us to Bank Holiday Monday, where the quality still doesn’t waver. The luscious-locked Steve Cummins is MC for the day, while taking to the stage are Roscommon native Eleanor Tiernan, 2009 ‘Comedian of the Year’ Gerry McBride and the ‘King of Underground Comedy’ (according to one Mr. Des Bishop) Tommy Nicolson. The Panel’s Jarlath Regan will also do a live set, as will comedy rock band (yes indeed) Dead Cat Bounce. See you there!