More MAYhem this week as Kilkenny laughs its way through the month

Now three weeks in, it’s safe to say that Kilkenny’s very first MAYhem festival has been a resounding success. In a whirlwind of back-to-back, packed out shows; the road to the Cat Laughs has been paved with belly aches and even occasional heartache.

Catch Milo Edwards flying solo tonight (Thursday) at Cleere’s Bar and Theatre at 7.30pm. Milo from Essex is known for hosting podcasts Trashfuture, Masters of Our Domain and Glue Factory, as well as his critically acclaimed Edinburgh hours and multiple YouTube comedy specials.

The Home Rule Club will host a triple-header of Karl Spain, Grace Mulvey and Dane Buckley on Friday, May 22. Karl needs little introduction as a long established legend of the Irish comedy scene. Warm, relatable, and effortlessly funny, Karl Spain brings big laughs with sharp observations and easy-going storytelling. Grace Mulvey is an Irish stand-up comedian and improvisor. Grace is also the creator of the comedy podcast Fad Camp.

Grace is making waves in the UK as the winner of the inaugural BBC Galton & Simpson Bursary for Comedy Writing 2020. Dane Buckley is the world’s only Irish, Indian, gay comedian… probably. An award-winning comedian and writer, he delivers his comedy effortlessly with cheeky charm and camp mischief. Dry, distinctive, and full of unexpected turns, Dane brings a cool, offbeat style that keeps audiences locked in from start to finish. The show starts at 8pm.

Saturday features a five-piece all-star line-up at The Village Inn and might just be the hottest ticket in town. Karl Spain, Tom Ballard, Ali Woods, Dane Buckley and Grace Mulvey are set to rip it up in this traditional Irish Pub, in what is set to be a one-off experience.

Tom Ballard is an award-winning stand-up comedian and broadcaster. He has had sell-out live shows across Australia and his own national late night show, Tonightly with Tom Ballard. He’s a two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and has supported the likes of Danny Bhoy, Wanda Sykes and Stephen Merchant on tour. Ali Woods is a half-English, half-Scottish comedian, podcaster and content creator. With sellout tours, and a huge online following, this is a great chance to see a big name in an intimate venue. The show starts at 8pm.

Sunday 24th offers another opportunity to catch Ali Woods and Dane Buckley, this time at the lovely Billy Byrne’s at 7.30pm. While on Monday Ali will play his final MAYhem show, joined by Tom Ballard at The Home Rule Club at 7.30pm.

Finally Alison Spittle joins the MAYhem on Tuesday , May 25 and will appear with the industrious Tom Ballard at the Pembroke Hotel. Alison Spittle is an award-winning comedian, actress and screenwriter whose 2025 show Big won the Comedian’s Choice Award and sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe. She co-hosts Ignore That Feeling with Fern Brady, and is a frequent guest on TV shows including Celebrity Gogglebox, Pointless Celebrities, and Richard Osman’s House of Games, earning praise for her sharp wit and joyful performances. This show starts at 7.30pm.

Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of MAYhem’s maiden voyage, as we sail increasingly quickly towards The Cat Laughs! Grab your tickets now at www.mayhem.ie and brighten up your week with some world-class comedy at a local venue.

Follow on social media to see announcements from the Ministry of MAYhem! www.instagram.com/mayhemkilkenny