Fred Cooke the guest as comedy contest kicks off
Show Me The Funny competition (SMTF), which is now in its sixth year, returns to the city’s Kings Head Bar, next Monday, January 11, when the first of six heats will take place.
Hosted and curated by comedian and impresario Gerry Mallon, SMTF has unearthed a host of comedy stars, with previous winners, Steve Bennett (2014), Danny Ryan (2015) and Niamh Marron (2012) going on to establish themselves on the Irish and UK circuit.
And, a bit like One Direction on X Factor, some of the beaten finalists in SMTF have actually gone on to achieve even greater things than the winners.
Al Porter was a finalist in 2013 and Republic Of Telly presenter, Kevin McGahern reached the finals in 2011.
The format of the Bulmers-sponsored event is simple, according to Gerry Mallon. At each heat, eight would-be comedy stars are given eight minutes of stage time, as they attempt to win a place in the grand final.
The eventual champion will win a coveted slot at the Electric Picnic comedy tent, while the two runners-up will win slots at the Forbidden Fruit Festival and the Vodafone Comedy Carnival in Galway.
“It’s a unique opportunity for emerging comedians to take a giant leap in their careers,” says Gerry Mallon. “And as the judging is done by the audience members, it’s a great night out for both performers and punters and a great way to banish the post-Christmas blues.”
A special guest from Ireland’s comedy circuit will perform a set at each of the heats and the at final.
The special guest next Monday night is Republic of Telly’s Fred Cooke.
The doors for the first heat of Show Me The Funny at the Kings Head open at 8pm and the show starts at 8.30pm. Tickets cost €5, which includes a free pint of Bulmers.