Ardal's sketch group reunited
20th anniversary of pioneering troupe
Father Ted star Ardal O’Hanlon is to reunite with his old Irish sketch troupe Mr Trellis to mark its 20th anniversary.The group – which also featured Kevin Gildea, and Barry Murphy – are widely credited with pioneering today’s Irish stand-up scene.
They had studied together at Dublin City University and in 1998 set up Dublin’s Comedy Cellar with stand-up Dermot Carmody, providing a crucial focus for a new generation of comics.
However, in the early Nineties, the group split up, when O’Hanlon moved to the UK.
Now all three are to reunite for a one-off gig at the Kilkenny Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in June.
A spokesman said: ‘Most comedians agree that without Mr Trellis, Irish comedy would not enjoy its status on the world stage today. This is a unique chance to see how it all began.’
The Comedy Cellar – ironically enough ABOVE the capital’s International Bar - is still going strong today.
Other acts attending the Kilkenny festival, which runs from May 29 to June 2, include Rich Hall, Dom Irrera, Tommy Tiernan, Ed Byrne, Des Bishop, Fred MacAulay, Adam Hills, Lee Mack, Josie Long and The Umbilical Brothers.
For full details, visit the official website
Published: 18 Apr 2008
