Annual 'craic pilgrimage' crosses the border

For the first time in its history, Ireland's longest-running comedy festival has come to Northern Ireland.

Billed as Ireland's "annual craic pilgrimage", organisers of the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival said it has been "heralding the start of the summer season since 1995".

It has previously played host to big names like Bill Murray, Suzy Eddie Izzard, and Tommy Tiernan, and, from now until 26 May, there are 26 shows across Belfast and Londonderry.

Comedian Karl Spain, who is performing in Belfast, says Northern Ireland is "definitely on the map now for comedy".

This year's acts include Colin Murphy, Diona Doherty, Seann Walsh, Deirdre O'Kane and Chris Kent.

Richard Cook, who founded the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, says he wanted to create something linked to theatre.

"Cat Laughs is a celebration and an exploration of stand up. It's not a comedy festival, it's a stand-up comedy festival and that's very particular."

For Mr Cook, the difference between "comedy" and "stand-up comedy" is an important one. He says that, unlike many other performers, stand-up comedians are immediately aware of the audience's reaction.

"If people aren't laughing, it's not working. It can be a very lonely place."

Over the last 30 years, acts such as Dara Ó Briain and Kevin Bridges have performed at the festival.

However, when Mr Cook first founded it, he says he had no idea if it would work.

"A lot of shows didn't sell. But there was something quite magical about it."

Now, the festival is venturing north from its usual venue in Kilkenny.

Mr Cook says he was "inspired" by County Down comedian Shane Todd's "brilliant" performance at last year's festival.

He also cites the thriving comedy scene in Northern Ireland as a reason for the festival coming to Northern Ireland.

"You see the explosion of stand-up comedy [in Northern Ireland]. I thought: 'Why don't we bring comedians from all corners of Ireland to share a stage":[]}