Now the picnic's over

If you think that the last big successful wave of Irish comedy has now left somewhat of a lull in its wake, check out some of the regular gigging faces. Dubliner Ian Coppinger, although not grabbing any headlines yet, is a talented and well worth seeing act who has been upping his quality nicely over the last few years.

With an ability for one-liners as well as an eye for more narrative-driven sketches, he's capable of going anywhere with his routines. Coppinger began as one-half of the Fat Man's Picnic Basket comedy improv duo. When his partner re- located to Canada, Coppinger just switched his skills around and took to stand- up.

He's played at various Cat Laughs and various Edinburgh Festivals, and written for BBC's The Stand Up Show - all the time displaying the sort of material and timing that mark him out as one to watch.

You can catch him at Dublin's Comedy Cellar (at the International, Wicklow Street) next Wednesday night.