Comedy is one of the few artistic pursuits that has rarely been readily associated with Dublin. Until now that is. The Murphy's Ungagged Comedy Festival is taking place throughout the capital in the coming week. Running from Wednesday November 5th to Saturday November 8th, the festival will unleash a cornucopia of unbridled talent, from home and abroad, guaranteed to have audiences rolling in the aisles.
Ardal O'Hanlon brings his wideeyed stare and hilarious outlook on life to the Olympia to kick-start the festival on Wednesday, while Denis Leary, the US's uncompromising and x-rated legend performs on two dates - Friday and Saturday, also at the Olympia, and the latter are, not surprisingly, sold out. An extra show has been scheduled for November 9th.
Patrick Kielty displays his own brand of razor-sharp wit at the Olympia on Thursday. Lenny Henry, whose live shows always surpass his studio stuff, introduces his band Poor White Trash & The Little Big Horns at Midnight at the Olympia on Friday and Saturday, and The Nualas will be Lenny's special guests.
Star of Fantasy Football and
The Mary Whitehouse Experience, David Baddiel will be cracking people up at the Music Centre in Temple Bar on the opening night. The Da Club plays host on Friday and Saturday night to Johnny Vegas. Other acts who will, no doubt, ensure that there won't be a dry eye in the house, include Ed Byrne, Rich Hall, Andrew Maxwell, Owen O'Neill, Simon Pegg and Tommy Tiernan.
Another feature of the festival will be the chance for the best in upcoming Irish and international talent to display their wares at the following pubs: International, O'Briens, Bankers, McDaids, Turk's Head, Norseman, Auld Dubliner, Ha'penny Bridge Inn and The Bridge Bar. The Murphy's Ungagged Comedy Festival promises to be a highlight of Dublin's entertainment calendar which should not be missed. Laugh? You'll probably cry.