21 years old this year.
All roads point to Kilkenny, the home of Smithwick’s, this weekend. The annual Sky Cat Laughs Comedy Festival is back for its 21st year in Kilkenny this weekend.
Ireland’s longest running and most prestigious comedy festival has featured some of the biggest names in comedy over the years.
Names such as Bill Murray, Zach Galifianakis (pic above), George Wendt and loads more have all appeared at what the Guardian called ‘The best little comedy festival in the world.’
The bill this year is as strong as ever featuring comedians from Ireland and all around the world. Big hitters from Britain like Jack Dee (pic below), Jon Richardson, Romesh Ranganathan and James Acaster are all in town.
The rest of the world is well represented by festival favourites Dom Irrera, Mike Wilmott, Rich Hall and a few others
Of course the Irish contingent is as strong as ever with Jason Byrne (pic below), PJ Gallagher, Deirdre O’Kane, Ardal O’Hanlon and David O’Doherty amongst a very strong home contingent.
We know all the big-hitters and familiar faces but who else should we go and see? Not sure? Don’t worry, JOE has your back.
1. The Pajama Men
Lads in pajamas. What? Don’t let that very basic premise put you off. Pajama Men is a world-renowned double act known for their unique style of narrative-sketch comedy.
Words cannot aptly describe how phenomenal they are. Here is a tiny morsel of what they do:
If you are looking for something a little different, but no less entertaining Pajama Men are a very safe bet. They are supported at both of their shows by JOE favourites, Foil, Arms & Hog. Now THAT is a line-up.
Clip via Assembly Festival
2. James Acaster
A regular on Mock the Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats, James Acaster is fast becoming a household name in Britain. He has been nominated for the prestigious Fosters Comedy Award in the last three years for best show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
James Acaster is probably the best comedian you’ve never heard of and would be well worth checking out this weekend in the Marble City.
3. Beth Stelling
The Chicago comedian, who is no relation to Jeff, has made a big splash in a relatively short time in her home country. She is also an actress who has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan, The Pete Holmes Show, @midnight and Chelsea Lately.
Beth has written for MTV’s Ridiculousness, Comedy Central Digital and was a contributing writer of the play Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche, which saw an off-Broadway run in NYC and is published by Samuel French.
Clip via Team Coco
While at the Cat Laughs, make sure to visit Kilkenny’s very own stand-up act and newest visitor attraction, the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. Located in the city centre and just a 5 minute stroll from the castle, this interactive tour immerses you in Ireland’s most popular ale; the history, the art of brewing, finishing up with a trip to the tasting room. Tours run frequently each day from 11am – 5pm and don’t forget that you can avail of a discount off adult tickets at www.smithwicksexperience.com
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