...and Bristol festival line-up revealed too

Kilkenny's Cat Laughs comedy festival is to feature its first Russian comic.

Igor Meerson, who performed his show Hou I Lernt Inglish at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe, has been confirmed as the full line-up is released.

Irish acts appearing include Maeve Higgins, who will be flying in from New York to perform her first stand-up in Ireland in nearly a year, and Moone Boy star Deirdre O'Kane, who will be performing her new solo stand-up show.

Other comedians taking part in the 22nd year of the festival include David O'Doherty, James Acaster, Jason Manford, Adam Hills, Reginald D Hunter, Rich Hall, Dom Irrera, Glenn Wool, Andrew Maxwell and Sean Hughes

The festival, which takes place from June 2 to 6, also includes a 'goes to the races' event, with comedians commenting on the action at the local horseracing track. Festival website.

Meanwhile, the initial line-up has also been confirmed for the Bristol Comedy Garden.

Stewart Lee, Katherine Ryan, Reginald D Hunter, Milton Jones and Bridget Christie will be among the acts performing in Queens Square from June 28 to July 3.

Adam Buxton will be performing his Bug tribute to David Bowie's music videos, the Pajama Men and Cardinal Burns will be performing their sketch acts, and there is oddness from Paul Foot and John Kearns, among others.

Festival producer Cass Briggs said: 'We're over the moon to be invited back to Queen Square. It's the perfect setting and we can't wait to get back with this year's line-up. We've had so many lovely experiences in Bristol and it's always a joy when it comes together after all the months of planning.'

Full listing.

Published: 6 Apr 2016