Over 30 of 'the world's leading comedians' to come together for Northern Ireland shows
A series of stand-up shows are set take place in Belfast and Derry
Over 30 of 'the world's leading comedians' are set to come together for shows in NI. The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, 'Ireland's longest-running and best-loved' comedy event, is bringing together a 'fantastic lineup of stand-up talent' to Belfast and Derry for the first time in May 2025.
Kilkenny's 'iconic festival', known for its format where headliner comedians perform on the same bill, has partnered with Shine & TSW Management to bring the inaugural edition of The Cat Laughs to the two cities.
A statement added: "Belfast’s reputation as a comedy city has exploded over the last decade, with a new wave of local comedians selling out huge venues, alongside a new and endless stream of international A-list comics visiting the city, and hundreds of thousands of fans attending shows across the city each year."
In its inaugural year, The Cat Laughs will extend its reach to Belfast, hosting a series of stand-up shows at venues such as Waterfront Hall, Lavery’s, Black Box, Sunflower, Naughton Studios at the Lyric, Limelight, and others, as well as the Millennium Forum in Derry.
READ MORE: Three NI contestants set to compete on new ITV Saturday night gameshow 99 To BeatREAD MORE: Comedy short filmed in Northern Ireland taking 'Europe by storm'Richard Cook, Founder of The Cat Laughs, said, “I’m very proud of the format pioneered by the Cat Laughs, where carefully selected headliners share the stage and perform for 10-15 minutes each. It provides a unique experience—a fantastic way to explore a range of comedy styles in one night, all while maintaining the high-quality standard that’s become the Cat Laughs trademark. It’s the perfect night out! I’m thrilled to be partnering with Shine and TSW Management to bring this festival format to the vibrant comedy scenes in Belfast and Derry"
Joe Dougan of Shine & TSW Management added: “Northern Ireland’s comedy scene has seen an incredible rise over the last 5 years - with a huge & growing domestic scene, and substantial attention from A list international comics on tour. The Cat Laughs is at the absolute top of the list for all of the NI acts, and I’d view it as an endorsement of the quality of the performers, clubs and writers across the country that they’re bringing the festival to Belfast and Derry in 2025.”
CAT LAUGHS NINE LIVES GALA 1: Friday 23rd May
MC: Colin Murphy
1. Paddy Raff
2. Mark McCarney
3. Deirdre O’Kane
4. David O’Doherty
INTERVAL
1. Gearoid Farrelly
2. Emma Doran
3. Alison Spittle
4. Neil Delamere
CAT LAUGHS NINE LIVES GALA 2: Saturday 24th May
MC: Karl Spain
1. William Thompson
2. Susie McCabe
3. Mike Rice
4. Colin Geddis
INTERVAL
1. Seann Walsh
2. Diona Doherty
3. Vlad Ilich
4. Vittorio Angeloni
NINE LIVES GALA 3: Sunday 25th May
MC: Andrew Ryan
1. Chris Kent
2. Kyla Cobbler
3. Ray Bradshaw
4. Scott Bennett
INTERVAL
1. Christopher Macarther-Boyd
2. Shane Todd
3. Rich Hall
4. Paddy McDonnell
NINE LIVES DERRY GALA: Monday 26th May
MC: ANDREW RYAN
1. Vittorio Angelone
2. Emma Doran
3. Shane Todd
4. David O’Doherty
INTERVAL
1. Rich Hall
2. Scott Bennett
3. Deirdre O’Kane
4. Neil Delamere
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