PJ Gallagher, the Dublin comedian who shot to fame in RTÉ’s Naked Camera, captured the imaginations, and indeed, hearts of Irish fans with his characters ‘Whistling Jake Stephens’ and of course, the ‘Dirty Aul One’ (“Is haddock good for the horden?”). Gallagher takes his stand-up show on the road this fortnight, with stop-offs in Dolans, Limerick on April 26 and the Venue Theatre, Meath (27).

Up north meanwhile, UK comic Jack Dee visits these shores for a performance in Armagh’s Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre on May 2. Dee has taken a whopping six-year absence from the comedy game, and this show – titled Work In Progress – sees the dryer-than-dry funnyman road-test material for his upcoming 2012 tour.
Gift Grub continues its Irish tour this fortnight too. Mario Rosenstock’s satirical brainchild visits Killarney’s INEC on April 20, the TF Royal, Mayo (21) and University Concert Hall, Limerick (27). Also in Limerick is – believe it or not! – the legend that is Paul Daniels. The UK magician, along with wife and ‘lovely assistant’ Debbie McGee, will perform a show in University Concert Hall on May 2.
Co. Down comedian Patrick Kielty meanwhile plays two more shows north of the border. Catch him in Mandela Hall on April 19, and the Odyssey Arena (21). Eric Lalor brings Regenerated to Ballymun’s Axis Theatre (April 24, 25, 26), Ardal O’Hanlon performs in Dublin’s Pavilion (May 3) and The Nualas: Older, Wiser, Heftier plays in the Venue Theatre, Meath (20) and the Riverbank, Kildare (21). Also set to take place this fortnight is the Irish Comedy Awards (see facing page). The event will be held in Dublin’s Laughter Lounge on April 25.