All roads lead to Kilkenny next week for the sixth Murphy's Cat Laughs Comedy Festival. With well over 30 acts performing over five days in more than 10 venues, there should be something for everyone in the audience at this most enjoyable of festivals. Very laid-back and always a hoot, this year's line-up stretches far and wide to bring you the best of Irish, British and US humour. The acts you really wouldn't want to be missing include Brian Appleton, (from the same man who brought you the wonderful John Shuttleworth) who is a Zelig-like "rock musicogolist"; the superbly deadpan and clever Hattie Heyridge; the new US sensation Marc Maron; the brilliant Geordie whizz kid Ross Noble, everyone's favourite mad Canadian Harland Williams and the Apres Match team, who will be going live over three nights.
Also worth checking out are the Cartoon Festival, "Kitty Flicks", featuring Irish comedians (Ardal O'Hanlon, Mark Doherty and Owen O'Neill) and "Kilkenny Exposed" where Rich Hall and friends take a wry look at local news. The Best of Irish Improv from the Comedy Cellar are also making the trip down to keep things extemporised. Cat Laughs runs from next Thursday to Monday June 5th. Tickets on tel: 056-63837; Accommodation on tel:05651500. See also www.murphyscatlaughs.com.
