Thousands will follow the symbol of the laughing feline to Kilkenny next week for a feast of stand-up comedy, but the debate continues as to whether or not this entertainment should properly be recognised as an art form.
The Murphy's Cat Laughs Festival, now in its fourth year, has brought major knock-on benefits to the city and the region. For the five days from May 28th there will hardly be room to swing the proverbial cat, let alone cram another visitor into the hotels and guesthouses in the area.
Up to 30,000 people are expected to flock to Kilkenny for performances by some 40 Irish and international comedians in a programme that offers 85 shows at a dozen venues. The economic benefit to the city's businesses is estimated at more than £4 million. But the comedy festival, which has attained a world reputation, is now at a crossroads, according to its director, Mr Richard Cook. He is seeking to broaden its support from the local business sector and to have it acknowledged as appropriate for Arts Council grant aid, so far withheld.
The three-year contract with the major corporate sponsor, Murphy's, is up this year and will become subject to renegotiation. In any case, the organisers say, it may not be a good idea for a festival to be so dependent on one named sponsor.
In a presentation to the members of Kilkenny Corporation, Mr Cook outlined the considerable contribution the festival has made to Kilkenny's drive to consolidate its identity as a quality tourist destination.
He sought their support in developing a more secure financial base for the festival. As the average size of the venues and the intimate nature of stand-up comedy and improvisation limit audiences to under 200 or so, the potential for expanding box-office takings is restricted.
An application to the Arts Council for funding has been unsuccessful, perhaps because comedy is seen as a relatively new art form, he says. But he insists: "To me, stand-up comedy is one of the oldest forms of Western theatre. I think it has its roots in theatre. It continues in the oral tradition, of which Ireland is so proud."
One way or another, the Cat Laughs festival will continue in Kilkenny, an annual venue which is now highly regarded by comedians from around the world. This year's line-up will include the English comedian Paul Merton, Dylan Moran, Kevin McAleer and other leading comics from the US, Canada, Scotland, England and Ireland.
While the festival is carrying a debt of about £55,000, Mr Cook is confident that this year's event will see that reduced substantially.