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Annual 'craic pilgrimage' crosses the border

Adam Mandeville
BBC News NI
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Comedian Karl Spain says Northern Ireland is "definitely on the map now for comedy"

For the first time in its history, Ireland's longest-running comedy festival has come to Northern Ireland.

Billed as Ireland's "annual craic pilgrimage", organisers of the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival said it has been "heralding the start of the summer season since 1995".

It has previously played host to big names like Bill Murray, Suzy Eddie Izzard, and Tommy Tiernan, and, from now until 26 May, there are 26 shows across Belfast and Londonderry.

Comedian Karl Spain, who is performing in Belfast, says Northern Ireland is "definitely on the map now for comedy".

This year's acts include Colin Murphy, Diona Doherty, Seann Walsh, Deirdre O'Kane and Chris Kent.

Richard Cook, who founded the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, says he wanted to create something linked to theatre.

"Cat Laughs is a celebration and an exploration of stand up. It's not a comedy festival, it's a stand-up comedy festival and that's very particular."

For Mr Cook, the difference between "comedy" and "stand-up comedy" is an important one. He says that, unlike many other performers, stand-up comedians are immediately aware of the audience's reaction.

"If people aren't laughing, it's not working. It can be a very lonely place."

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Richard Cook says there is a passion for comedy in Northern Ireland

Over the last 30 years, acts such as Dara Ó Briain and Kevin Bridges have performed at the festival.

However, when Mr Cook first founded it, he says he had no idea if it would work.

"A lot of shows didn't sell. But there was something quite magical about it."

Now, the festival is venturing north from its usual venue in Kilkenny.

Mr Cook says he was "inspired" by County Down comedian Shane Todd's "brilliant" performance at last year's festival.

He also cites the thriving comedy scene in Northern Ireland as a reason for the festival coming to Northern Ireland.

"You see the explosion of stand-up comedy [in Northern Ireland]. I thought: 'Why don't we bring comedians from all corners of Ireland to share a stage?'

"There's a passion for comedy in Northern Ireland".

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Shane Todd is one of the comedians set to perform at the festival

Comedian Karl Spain says Belfast "feels very exciting".

"There's lots happening," he says.

Spain says the comedy scene in Northern Ireland is "growing more and more", with the likes of Colin Geddis, Shane Todd and Paddy McDonnell who are now well established.

"There are so many now that are really good, and very different," he says.

"It's going to be the first of many festivals in Belfast. I think it will be a regular thing."

Spain says comedy festivals provide an opportunity for up-and-coming performers to "gauge their ability".

Spain himself performed on a line-up that included Jimmy Carr, Bill Bailey, and David Cross in the early 2000s.

"It reassures you that you are on the right path," he says.

Cook admits that the cost of organising comedy festivals is rising year on year but says he organises Cat Laughs "for the love of it".

"We're bringing these great comedians together not as a commercial proposition - it's an artistic proposition."