Comedywise the next fortnight is dominated by the Bulmer’s International Comedy Festival in Dublin. With Michael McIntyre having laid on the laughs in The Olympia last week, the undisputed king of straight-faced British comedy Jimmy Carr fill the same venue on the September 17 – 20. What’s not so funny for disappointed fans is that the man has already sold out every one of those nights. Ticket holders can count themselves lucky.

Also banging in night after night of shows over the two weeks is the one and only Dylan Moran, who has practically set up shop in Vicar St. with 13 dates between September 9 and 26. The bedraggled Navan man has already sold out many dates at time of going to print, these dates being some of the most anticipated and wine soaked comedy gigs of the year. Also hitting Vicar St. on the 17 while Moran takes a ragged breather is much loved Aussie musical comic Tim Minchin.
Not to be shown up during the festival, The Laughter Lounge boasts acclaimed London comic Stuart Goldsmith on Speptebmer 10 – 12. Meanwhile, The Poor Mouth (An Béal Bocht) will be translated from Flann O’Brien’s classic novel to the Mill Theatre stage, giving Dundrum a serious jolt of comedy from the 10 to the 12 of September.
Also tying in with the festival, The Bulmers Nothin Butt Funny Competition will be darting round several Dublin venues as it reaches its conclusion during mid September, with the first semi final in The Academy on September 11. Billed as the country’s biggest search for the best new amateur comedian, the final will take place on the hallowed stage of the Laughter Lounge on September 16, with the winner supporting the Australian genital wizardly that is Puppetry of the Penis on their Olympia date on the 24.
Also appearing over the festive period are Rich Hall, who will rock the Olympia on September 21, All of Human Life is Here at the Bosco Arts Theatre for six nights from Monday 14, and the Rubber Bandits who will perform at the Academy on the 19. For the complete lineup and more info, check www.bulmerscomedy.ie
In Belfast, Jack Wise brings his unique brand of magical comedy to the Laughter Lounge September 18 and 19. In Cork, the Craichouse Comedy Club on MacCurtain Street continues to bring the laughs every Saturday night while former D’unbeliveable Jon Kenny performs at the Briery Arts Centre on the 24. In Galway, the Cuba club continues its Friday night residency, while in Waterford the comedy comes in the form of Strictly Come Laughing! at the Forum every Saturday night.