LAUGH OUT LOUD DIARY DATES

Emer got lucky – but how has the timing of new regulations after the rest of the main players within the comedy scene here? Not that it matters too much – happily all have new shows ready to go, some have just been in the oven longer than others….

COLIN GEDDIS

Just as Emer got lucky, Colin seemed cursed. The OG of this comedy new wave,

Colin’s latest arena shows – organised and promoted for just as long as Emer’s – missed out on taking place by a matter of days, scheduled to take place just before restrictions were lifted. The two SSE shows will now take place in December, after smaller shows around the country and regular appearances at his own fortnightly comedy night at Laverys in Belfast. JOANNE MC NALLY

Yes she’s a Dub – but it’s worth noting three of her four shows at the

Limelight in Belfast sold-out super fast – with the final date –

March 15 next year – set to follow soon. Her tour schedule for this show – The Prosecco Express – is utterly bonkers, post lockdown demand through the roof and most shows sold out. It’ll be arenas next, for sure.

SHANE TODD

Shane kept match fit as best he could, with a tour of outdoor venues earlier his year – but will be relieved to finally get his long delayed and very sold out show at the Waterfront Hall out of the way later this month. Then it’s a brand new show at the SSE Arena on November 6th and 13th. The first date is sold out, the second could well be very soon.

PADDY RAFF

The fact his show last weekend was the first of

FIVE scheduled for the

SSE Arena this year, crowns Paddy Raff as – easily – the most popular Norther Irish comedian on the circuit and arguably the big local comedy success story of this century, so far. And these gigs are a proper show – with stand-up – but also characters from his TV series (including – of course – the legendary Nigel) all appearing, amongst musical numbers. He’s at the SSE tonight and tomorrow (only tomorrow’s show might have tickets left as you read) then again on October 29 with a Christmas special planned for December.

MICKY BARTLETT

Three shows at The

Ulster Hall is impressive and just proves how hungry people are for decent stand up. The first happened last weekend, the second is tomorrow and a final date – for now – is on October 30. Granted, he’s been gathering momentum for years, initially as a sort of Colin Geddis sidekick, but now very much a fantastic prospect in his own right.