Now almost 3 weeks in, it’s safe to say that Kilkenny’s very first MAYhem festival has been a resounding success. In a whirlwind of back-to-back, packed out shows; the road to the Cat Laughs has been paved with belly aches and even occasional heartache. With MAYhem passports rapidly running out, Mancunian comedian Dan Tiernan (set to play three shows on the 12th, 13th, 14th) lost his ACTUAL passport in a cruel twist of fate and sadly an emergency passport issued by the minister of MAYhem was not sufficient to get him over the Irish Sea. Thankfully, legends David O’Doherty, Karl Spain and Bernard O’Shea stepped into the fold and rounded off another epic week of comedy in the marble city. The appetite for these shows has been phenomenal, with so many from Kilkenny and beyond taking the opportunity to experience arena-tier comedy in the most intimate of venues.
Here’s a preview of the penultimate week of MAYhem:
On Wednesday 20th May, Kim Blythe and Milo Edwards perform at Billy Byrne’s, a venue that has flourished in its first year of comedy. Blythe rose from online content to award-winning live stand-up, while Edwards is a comedian, podcaster, and writer with international experience. The show begins at 7.30pm.
Catch Milo flying solo the following night, Thursday 21st at John Cleere’s Theatre at 7.30pm.
The Home Rule Club presents a triple-header on Friday 22nd May featuring Karl Spain, Grace Mulvey and Dane Buckley. Spain is a long-established Irish comedy favourite known for warm, relatable storytelling. Mulvey is an award-winning stand-up and podcast creator making waves in the UK, while Buckley delivers distinctive, offbeat comedy with sharp, cheeky charm. The show begins at 8pm.
Saturday 23rd features a 5-piece all-star line-up at The Village Inn and might just be the hottest ticket in town. Karl Spain, Tom Ballard, Ali Woods, Dane Buckley and Grace Mulvey are set to rip it up in this traditional Irish Pub, in what is set to be a one-off experience.
Tom Ballard and Ali Woods bring award-winning stand-up comedy to an intimate 8pm show, featuring sell-out tours, TV experience, and huge online followings in a lively live performance.
Sunday 24th offers another opportunity to catch Ali Woods and Dane Buckley, this time at the lovely Billy Byrne’s at 7.30pm. While on Monday 25th Ali will play his final MAYhem show, joined by Tom Ballard at The Home Rule Club at 7.30pm.
Finally, Alison Spittle joins MAYhem on Tuesday 25th at The Pembroke Hotel with Tom Ballard in a 7.30pm show. Spittle is an award-winning comedian, writer and actor known for her Fringe success, TV appearances and sharp, joyful stand-up comedy.
Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of MAYhem’s maiden voyage, as we sail increasingly quickly towards The Cat Laughs! Grab your tickets now at www.mayhem.ie and brighten up your week with some world-class comedy at a local venue.
Follow on social media to see announcements from the Ministry of MAYhem!
www.instagram.com/mayhemkilkenny
