Comedians converge on Kilkenny

Johnny Vegas (above) is clearly working flat out in Kilkenny this weekend. The northern English comedian, whose USP (unique selling proposition) is doing his turn while throwing pots on his potter's wheel, always entertains, but he also sometimes surprises - such as on a recent visit to Dublin when his act unintentionally turned into a personal emotional rollercoaster for Vegas.

He is just one of the acts on offer in the marble city this weekend for the Murphy's Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, featuring a range of international comedy acts in more than 10 venues. One of the innovations this year - the sixth year of the very successful festival - is a series of bus tours of the city - just 70 seats per show on a tour "hosted" by one or other of Irish comic and writer Owen O'Neill, Americans Rich Hall and Dom Irrera, and Scotsman Phil Kay.

There's a strong line-up of American improv comedians (including Colin Mochrie and Kathy Kinney) and a cartoon festival featuring Martyn Turner, Gary Trudeau (Doonesbury), Steve Bell, Tom Mathews, Stan McMurtry and Viz artists. The stand-ups include Irish comics Dylan Moran, Jason Byrne and Jimeoin, plus, from further afield, Laura Kightlinger, Lewis Black, John Mendoza, Armando Iannucci, Milton Jones, Peter Kay. The festival runs until Monday; box office: 056 63837.