Laughing all the way to the lounge

Rewind '98

The opening last March of Ireland's first purpose-built comedy venue, The Laughter Lounge on Eden Quay was a significant move towards fully integrating stand-up comedy into the entertainment canon. Although there had always been plenty of venues around the country operating successfully as comedy clubs, the Laughter Lounge is unique in its raison d'etre. Most significantly it has proved to be very popular with the notoriously whinging comics themselves.

Ironic as it may be (given the years of neglect), there was almost a sense of comedy festival overload in the country this year. The Murphy's Ungagged festivals travelled to Cork, Galway and Dublin in the space of three months and while no-one was really complaining about the headline acts (who were usually well-established and box office friendly) the idea of a comedy pub trail worked less well and just goes to show that stand-up can't be treated in the same way as music.

The obvious festival highlight was Cat Laughs down Kilkenny way which, despite fears that it would become a victim of its own success, still manages to stay faithful to its original manifesto of being a low-key, comedian-friendly event. With its dazzling array of the best of American, Australian, British and Irish acts, Cat Laughs remains the highpoint of the year.

There was another storming year for the Irish at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with an unprecedented two Irish comics, Ed Byrne and Tommy Tiernan, being nominated for the prestigious Perrier award. And there's plenty of strength in depth too: Jason Byrne picked up a nomination for the Perrier newcomer award. From The Nualas to Mark Doherty and Eddie Bannon to John Henderson, the Irish put on quite a show.

The tragic death of Father Ted star Dermot Morgan last April robbed Irish comedy of one of its founding fathers and most enduring talents. The last cup of tea has now been served on Craggy Island but the show's creators, the talented team of Arthur Mathews and Graham Linehan, came back last month with a new sketch show, Big Train for BBC2.

Astonishingly, RTE more than came up with the goods with the very good Couched series, starring Barry Murphy and Mark Doherty. Maybe this is a sign from RTE that they've finally decided to tap into all the talent around. About time.

Fast Forward '99

Hopefully some promoter out there will have the wherewithal to bring over a killer live double bill of The Fast Show and Shooting Stars which wowed them in theatres in Britain last year. Even better, why not get second generation Irish phenomenon, Steve Coogan, to do a three-month run in a theatre with his impossibly good The Man Who Thinks He's It show.

There was talk of getting Gary Shandling (aka Larry Sanders) down to Cat Laughs last year but recording commitments ruled him out. He should be top of the organisers' shopping list this year. In terms of fresh, new, local talent, the one to be looking out for next year is Dara O'Briain, while by common census the most improved comedian is Deirdre O'Kane. And if there's any justice, the most naturally talented performer this country has ever produced, Paul Tylak, should see his name in lights.