Electric Picnic | The Comedy Tent

Words: Caroline Foran

 The Festival season might well be calming down as Autumn approaches *shudder* but not to worry as one of the biggest events on the Irish calendar is still to come. Ahh, yes, it's Electric Picnic, which Music Editor John Balfe describes as the festival for festival connoisseurs. This annual smasher takes place on the weekend of September 2nd to the 4th, in the idyllic grounds of Stradbally Estate, Co. Laois. While the music line-up is the overall pull of the weekend, what seems to really draw the crowds is the highly successful Comedy Tent. Often referred to as a festival within a festival, this year the organisers have left no stone unturned in their quest to provide the biggest and freshest acts from the international comedy circuit. As per EP's exciting manifesto - "Its early afternoon, your head is fuzzy, your libacious of breath and libidinous of mind, then make your way to the comedy tent and allow yourself to bask in the warm glow of the best in laugh-out loud entertainment."

Headlining on Sat 3rd is one of entertainment.ie's all time favourites - the 'King Of Mildly Cool' and winner of the 2008 if.comedy award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - Mr. David O Doherty. His wildly inventive songs and dry sarcasam make him a comedic force to be reckoned with, but he's so cool he probably wouldn't bother putting up much of a fight if you tried. Taking to the stage to support O'Doherty is a duo I'm most excited to see - the fantastically funny, lightning fast, note perfect, mind blowing, Hip Hop Comedy Improv Troupe, Abandoman. Performing to a rapturous reception at festivals the world over so far in 2011, these guys are sure to wow the masses. Then there's good oul Ardal O Hanlon, better known as Fr Dougal McGuire from Father Ted (although really, we should let that balloon go). He'll be there for a matinee performance, alongside the 'Godfather of Irish Comedy', Barry Murphy. This pairing went down a treat at the Vodafone Comedy Festival. And what kind comedy fest would it be without the Queen of the understated one-liner herself Maeve Higgins? Not a whole lot, I tell ya. She'll be stopping by for what's sure to be a ROFL inducing set, while Republic of Telly presenter Dermot Whelan proves that there's more to him than what you hear on the radio. Newcomers come in the form of Edwin Sammon (a future star in the making, so say EP) and a rakeload more. And that's just one day!

Sunday will then see joint MC's Andrew Stanley and Damian Clarke (two of my personal favourites on the Irish circuit) kick things off in their own peerless style. When these lads are done they'll make way for multi award winning comic and Hollywood superstar Omid Djalili (seriously sound, humble bloke from the 2 minute convo I shared with him at the Iveagh Gardens) He might well be known for his roles in hit movies such as Sex and The City 2 (no wait, HIT movies) Gladiator (better), The Mummy (at a push), and Notting Hill (ah yes), but it's when he takes to a stage, mic in hand that Omid's comic ability really shines through. Combining the elements of humour and music that you so want to rock out to, there's Dead Cat Bounce. Practically superstars in Melbourne, Edinburgh and Montreal, EP are delighted to welcome the rock comedy Gods to the coveted Comedy Tent.

Then for something you could bring the kinds along to (perhaps?) there's the all female trio, The Nualas (who are still older, still wiser and still heftier). And then to make the line-up complete, you need some high quality sketch acts. EP welcome Australias Anyone For Tennis? and my buddies Foil Arms And Hog (Comedy Tent highlight - take my word for it) who'll take to the stage for some early afternoon banter. Add to this the bitter and wonderful John Moloney; Joe Rooney, Karl Spain, Paddy Courtney, Gearoid Farrelly (who plays Whelan's next week) and Show Me The Funny competition winner Mark Hynes - this is a weekend that for comedy alone, you don't want to miss.

Story by EI Team | 09:00 | Thursday 11th August 2011 | Comedy

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Comments

• iheartrpattz

  Can't waaaaait for this.. such a nice lineup..

  Posted 12:39 | Tue 16th Aug 2011

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