The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival Launches Its 2011 Programme

The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival Launches Its 2011 Line Up. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) March 08, 2011 - The Cat Laughs Comedy festival is set to bring more laughs to the June bank holiday weekend. Home to world-class comedy, the festival today announced its much awaited programme for 2011. One of the most anticipated festivals on the summer calendar, the 17th annual Cat Laughs Comedy Festival will take place from Thursday 2nd - Monday 6th June.

Kilkenny will play host to some of the world's finest comedy talent, with another stellar programme featuring an incredible line-up of both home grown favourites and star-studded international performers. Comedy fans can look forward to five days of non-stop fun and frolics with over 40 acts in 67 shows across 12 venues.

This year's programme sees the addition of exciting new acts, including a huge club performance of Limerick's finest hip-hop duo The Rubberbandits. Following the massive success of 'Horse Outside', the masked duo are quickly on their way to world domination and you can catch them at in Langton's Ballroom on Friday, 3rd June at midnight.

The music theme continues right through the weekend with jazz-infused performance party - The Horne Section. Part improvised, part perfected this show will feature special guest comedians accompanied by a five piece band. If hip-hop is more your thing, then Irish rap-duo Abandoman is a must see. Also newbies to the festival, Abandoman create hilarious musical sketches at lightning speed live in front of their audiences, - plus an all ages gig on the Saturday afternoon of the festival means the whole family can enjoy some of the action!

Other highlights over the weekend include; Afternoon De-Write, a unique show featuring funny writing hosted by the wonderfully unconventional David O'Doherty and friends. Colm O'Regan takes on everyone's financial troubles with his fantastic show Dislike! A Facebook Guide to the Recession.

The Cat Laughs festival wouldn't be the same without our exceptional local talent. Making a welcomed return this year, is the wickedly funny, multi award-winning Tommy Tiernan. Following his record breaking sell-out tour, Tommy returns to Kilkenny with his passionate and high-octane performances. Also gracing the stage again this year is festival veteran, Jason Byrne. With 13 festivals under his belt, Jason returns with his usual high-energy lunacy. Fans of RTE's The Panel can look forward to getting up close and personal with quick-witted stars, Neil Delamere and Colin Murphy, along with co-star, the shamelessly honest and hilarious Andrew Maxwell. Other festival favourites include; Republic of Telly's Dermot Whelan, Savage Eye's John Colleary, Karl Spain, Ardal O Hanlon, Barry Murphy, Maeve Higgins and Jarlath Regan.

Leading the way for the UK and international performers is star of the BBC's Not Going Out Tim Vine - the punslinger himself. Joining Tim will be recent Edinburgh Best Newcomer Award winner, Roisin Conaty (UK). Known for her easy charm and innate likeability, Rosin will feel right at home when she takes the stage in Kilkenny, having spent several childhood summers in Ireland. Alongside Roisin is Inbetweeners star Greg Davies (UK); this much-loved comic took Edinburgh by storm last year with multiple sell-out shows Still one of the hottest comics on the circuit, the seriously sharp and slightly filthy Sarah Millican (UK) returns, along with 2009 Edinburgh Award nominee and star of Channel 4'S Stand Up For The Week Jon Richardson (UK).

Newcomers to the festival this year include; Irish speaking legend and host of 2Fm's Breakfast with Hector show, the brilliant Hector O'hEochagain. US comic and internet sensation, Bo Burnham (US) will prove why his unique fusion of fresh-faced innocence and highly intelligent, provocative wordplay made him Edinburgh Comedy Award Panel Prize winner in 2010. . Another debutant is comic and TV favourite Jack Whitehall (UK). At just 22 years old, Jack has already won an impressive collection of awards and hosted numerous TV shows including Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Big Brother's Big Mouth.

And if all that wasn't enough to get you frothing at the mouth, the hugely popular Pursuit of Happiness returns, putting your sleuthing skills to the test with another hilarious treasure hunt through the majestic Marble City.

Speaking at the launch, Rebecca Austin, Festival Artistic Director said; "Cat Laughs fans can look forward to another stellar line-up this year, with plenty of home grown comedy talent as well as new and exciting international acts. Each year we bring the newest and most innovative comedy to Kilkenny so our audiences can enjoy the very best comedy has to offer and all at an accessible price. With such a huge range of acts on the programme this year, we think there's something for everyone to enjoy!"

Tickets the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival 2011 are on sale now!

For full details on the line-up, tickets and venue information visit www.thecatlaughs.com

For further information contact:

Melanie O Connor - Publicity Manager
The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival
2nd - 6th June 2011, Kilkenny
www.thecatlaughs.com

T: +353 86 4016053
E: melanie ( @ ) thecatlaughs dot com

'The Best Little Comedy Festival in the World' - The Guardian

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