1st - 4th May

COMEDY & STREET THEATRE FESTIVAL

welcome thanx toWelcome to JestFest2015, Wexford’s Comedy and Street Theatre Festival. Our town comes alive on the May bank holiday weekend when the finest street theatre and comedy acts come to town. A spirit of devilish revelry fills the Viking streets as Irish and international street jesters, acrobats and contortionists wow us with their amazing shows. And as the sun sets, the finest Irish stand-up comedians take to the stage in atmospheric venues all over town armed with hilarious one liners, anecdotes and monologues to make you laugh and make you cry (please don’t cry). With a garnish of side shows, Cult Movie screenings and the unique Comedy in the Dark, Wexford is the only place to be for May Bank Holiday weekend!

Lantern Events would like to extend a huge thank you to Wexford County Council and Visit Wexford for supporting JestFest 2015. We would also like to sincerely thank Tom Enright, Tony Larkin, Carolyne Godkin, Angie Laffan, Davey Martin, Fiona in Momentum Design and Steve in Webmarket, Derry Dillon, Colm and Fionnuala in Buí Bolg, Eddie Milbourne McCarthy, Caoimhe Dunn, Dominic Palmer, Lucy Medlycott, Andy Doyle, Eddie Macken, Tony and Breda Wright, David and Siobhan Kavanagh, Johnny and Nuala Barron, Philip, Dick, Sarah and their team in the Talbot Hotel, James and Julie in Greenacres, Elizabeth in the Arts Centre and Brian Cantwell.

street map of wexfordSky and the Ground

Talbot Hotel Bugler Doyles

Street Theatre Comedy

South Main St Box Office

Street

Theatre

FREE!

Brian & Barry Lantern Events www.lantern.ie

to bookBox Office: 1 North Main Street, Wexford (Top of Anne Street) T. 053 91 99199 www.jestfest.ieA service charge of €1.50 per ticket applies to bookings

Mackens The Vine

Green AcresThomas Moore Tavern

Wexford Arts Centre

The Bullring

Selskar Square

Andrew Maxwell

Andréa Farrell

Renowned for his cutting edge comedy and intrepid social commentary, double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and star of Sky’s John Bishop’s Only Joking and BBC’s Live at the Apollo, host of the BBC3 Edinburgh Comedy Marathon & series regular on Sky’s Wall of Fame, Andrew Maxwell is a must-see for any comedy fan. Andrew has won several major awards including the Time Out Live Award for Best Stand-up and was voted Best Irish Comedian by the public at the Entertainment.ie Awards.

Worth seeing just to watch what stand-up can be at its best.’ The Guardian

ShowsSunday 3rd May at 7pm in Greenacres with David McSavage

Sunday 3rd May at 9pm in the Talbot Hotel, Closing Gala hosted by Al Porter

Andrea Farrell is the best thing to come out of Swords since JC’s curry pie! She hit our screens in 2013 as a finalist in RTE’s New Comedy Awards. She went on to support Maeve Higgins and perform at the Vodafone Comedy Festival, The Bulmers Comedy Festival and Electric Picnic. She performs regularly at the International in Dublin where her iconic style and affable stage presence has been bowling over audiences.

ShowsFriday 1st May at 9pm in Talbot Hotel, Opening Gala hosted by Karl Spain

Saturday 2nd May at 10pm in Thomas Moore Tavern with Karl Spain and Niamh Marron

Sunday 3rd May at 9pm in Talbot Hotel, Closing Gala hosted by Al Porter

Ireland’s ascendant king of camp is Al Porter, one of Ireland’s most promising comedians. A regular on radio (2fm with Colm Hayes), Al has featured in RTE’s Next Week’s News and Republic of Telly, The Savage Eye and Callan’s Kicks. He regularly headlines at Ireland’s top clubs, including The Laughter Lounge, The International, and The Empire (Belfast).

“Outrageously funny and the fastest rising new star of Irish comedy, go see him now” – Laughter Lounge

ShowsSaturday 2nd May at 7pm in Greenacres with Karl Spain and Fred Cooke

Saturday 2nd May at 10.30pm in Mackens with Fred Cooke

Sunday 3rd May at 9pm in the Talbot Hotel, Host of the Closing Gala with David McSavage, Andrew Maxell, Fred Cooke, Paul Tylak, Andréa Farrell and Lisa Casey

Al Porter

C medy DarkIN THE

The Big Lebowski

Comedy in the Dark

David McSavage

Jeff Bridges plays Jeff Lebowski who insists on being called “the Dude,” a laid-back, easy-going burnout who happens to have the same name as a millionaire whose wife owes a lot of dangerous people a whole bunch of money - resulting in the Dude having his rug soiled, sending him spiralling into the Los Angeles underworld.

“This is a very complicated case, Maude. You know, a lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-haveyou’s. And, uh, lotta strands to keep in my head, man. Lotta strands in old Duder’s head. Luckily I’m adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug regimen to keep my mind, you know, limber.”

ShowsFriday 1st May at 10.30pm in the Sky and the Ground, hosted by Kevin Gildea

No lights. The room is in total darkness. For the first time ever in Ireland, a unique experience where your favourite stand-up comedians perform Comedy in the Dark. Will they be naked on stage? Maybe. Just maybe.

ShowsFriday 1st May at 8pm in Thomas Moore Tavern

Saturday 2nd May at 8pm in Thomas Moore Tavern

The writer and star of the hit TV show – The Savage Eye - David McSavage is one of Ireland’s most popular comedians. His cutting commentary and performances cover all aspects of life and nothing is safe from his truth induced interpretations. From Mick the Bull to Mary Robinson and Pat Kenny, audiences relate to each character from the many aspects of Irish life.

The comic equivalent of dynamite fishing (Official Edinburgh Fringe Magazine)

ShowsFriday 1st May at 8pm in Mackens

Friday 1st May at 9pm in Talbot Hotel, Opening Gala with Karl Spain

Saturday 2nd May at 9.30pm in Greenacres with Joe Rooney and Lisa Casey

Sunday 3rd May at 7pm in Greenacres with Andrew Maxwell

Sunday 3rd May at 9pm in Talbot Hotel, Closing Gala hosted by Al Porter

Dublin Comedy Improv

Fred Cooke Joe RooneyFred Cooke has is a unique stand-up delivering a style of comedy that simply cannot be imitated. He has performed alongside such high profile acts as Tommy Tiernan, Dara O’ Briain, Ross Noble, Neil Delamere and Des Bishop. Fred has featured in RTE’s Republic of Telly, The Café, Watch Your Language and The Savage Eye.

“comedy genius; he has so much energy that he could power a small village in the west of Kerry” The Laughter Lounge

ShowsFriday 1st May at 10.30pm in Vine Restaurant with Niamh MarronSaturday 2nd May at 7pm in Greenacres with Al Porter and Karl SpainSaturday 2nd May at 10.30pm in Mackens with Al PorterSunday 3rd May at 9pm in Talbot Hotel, Closing Gala with Al PorterSunday 3rd May at 10.30pm in Vine Restaurant with Joe Rooney and Niamh Marron

Making stuff up based on your suggestions since 1992. Dublin Comedy Improv hits the road to Wexford – with a line up including Joe Rooney, Paul Tylak and Kevin Gildea ( most of whom you know from the telly) making stuff up based on your suggestions. Like Whose Line Is It Anyway, only live. DCI has performed all over the world and had 2 seasons of our own radio show on RTE.

“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” Dolly Parton

ShowsSunday 3rd May at 8pm in Mackens

Joe Rooney is a stand up comedian, actor and writer, best known for his roles in Father Ted and Killinaskully. With observations about everything from fatherhood to one armed chemistry teachers his infectious enthusiasm leaves audiences of all ages in paroxysms of laughter.

“Occasionally laconic, at times infectiously manic, and always riveting” The Hot Press

ShowsFriday 1st May at 9pm in Talbot Hotel, Opening Gala hosted by Karl SpainFriday 1st May at 10.30pm in Bugler DoylesSaturday 2nd May at 9.30pm in Greenacres with David McSavage and Lisa CaseySunday 3rd May at 8pm in Mackens, Dublin Comedy Improv with Kevin Gildea and Paul TylakSunday 3rd May at 10.30pm in Vine Restaurant with Fred Cooke and Niamh Marron

Jon Kenny Karl Spain Kevin GildeaJon Kenny is a much loved Irish comic and personality, a co-founder of the comic duo D’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt. It is Jon’s unique brand of irish comedy that is so appealing to his fans, his wit and biting insights into the irish psyche, Gaelic language, social behaviour, cultural and religious idiosyncrasies and, of course, humour are hilarious and illustrative of the Irish persona in general.

Jon Kenny’s many talents have seen him perform as a singer, musician, comedian and actor down through the years and whenever he performs a live show, you can expect all of these attributes to come out!

ShowsSaturday 2nd May at 8pm in Bugler Doyles with Lisa Casey

NOT many Limerick men could say their life-long ambition is to make people laugh or become a Pretty Polly model. At least one of his dreams have come true. Karl is probably best known in Ireland for his TV series Karl Spain Wants A Woman which was a huge success in that he not only got huge ratings but he also found himself a woman. Describing himself as an “avid synchronised swimmer” and a huge Marty Whelan fan, Karl spends all his money on sweets and comics.

“Achingly funny” The Sunday Times

ShowsFriday 1st May at 9pm in Talbot Hotel, host of Opening Gala with Joe Rooney, Kevin Gildea, Andréa Farrell, Lisa Casey and David McSavage

Saturday 2nd May at 7pm in Greenacres with Al Porter and Fred Cooke

Saturday 2nd May at 10pm in Thomas Moore Tavern with Andréa Farrell and Niamh Marron

Award winning writer, comedian, and actor and a regular reporter/critic on RTE’s arts show The Works, Kevin Gildea’s comedic style has been described as ‘highly original and explosively funny’ by The Sunday Times, and ‘quirky’, ‘innovative,’ ‘creative’, and ‘pioneering’ by The Guardian. Kevin is a co-founder of The Comedy Cellar, Dublin’s longest-running comedy club. His short film No! No! No! was shortlisted for an IFTA. He’s even made an appearance in Father Ted back in the day.

ShowsFriday 2nd May in Talbot Hotel, Opening Gala with Karl Spain, Joe Rooney, Andréa Farrell, Lisa Casey and David McSavage

Friday 1st May at 10.30pm in Sky and the Ground, Cult Movie: The Big Lebowski

Sunday 3rd May at 8pm in Mackens, Dublin Comedy Improv with Joe Rooney and Paul Tylak

Lisa Casey Niamh Marron

Paul Tylak Lisa is one of the most exciting and fastest rising new comedians on the scene. Starting off performing in her hometown Dundalk, Lisa has been gigging all around Ireland and is known for her unique and quirky style. She was winner of the HardyHar comedy competition 2015 and Budweiser dream job finalist.

“With clever punch lines, silly impressions and musical whimsy all to her name, Lisa has what it takes to make you laugh. A worthy champion of our stage!” Hardy Har Comedy Club.

ShowsFriday 1st May at 9pm in Talbot Hotel, Opening Gala hosted by Karl SpainSaturday 2nd May at 8pm in Bugler Doyles with Jon KennySaturday 2nd May at 9.30pm in Greenacres with David McSavage and Joe RooneySunday 3rd May at 9pm in Talbot Hotel, Closing Gala with Al Porter

Niamh’s energetic, bold and daring style of comedy makes her original and memorable. She has performed alongside comic legends Eddie Izzard, Tommy Tiernan and Dara O’Briain. In 2013 Niamh made it through to the judges round on Britain’s Got Talent and received 4 yes’s from the judges. She stars in the new TV3 Comedy show ‘The Stand Ups’ and was a finalist of RTE’s New Comedy Awards“Risky, Edgey and a very naughty girl.” Simon Cowell, Britain’s Got Talent“Disgraceful and unacceptable”. A couple of auld geebags

ShowsFriday 1st May at 10.30pm in Vine Restaurant with Fred CookeSaturday 2nd May at 10pm in Thomas Moore Tavern with Karl Spain and Andréa FarrellSunday 3rd May at 10.30pm in Vine Restaurant with Joe Rooney and Fred Cooke

Dublin-based Indo-Celtic stand-up Paul has stood up all over The UK and Ireland, as support act for Ardal O’Hanlon, Jason Byrne and Dylan Moran, among others. He’s a regular in all the major festivals: Edinburgh, Kilkenny, Electric Picnic, and the Vodafone Comedy Festival, and often appearson the same bill as Eddie Izzard, Bill Bailey, and Phil Jupitus..

“Tylak is arguably the most naturally talented character comedian Ireland has ever produced…a one-man Fast Show” Brian Boyd, The Irish Times

ShowsSunday 3rd May at 8pm in Mackens, Dublin Comedy Improv with Kevin Gildea and Joe Rooney

Sunday 3rd May at 9m in Talbot Hotel, Closing Gala with Al Porter

Wexford Improv Group

Festival Galas

Wexford’s homegrown comedy troupe IS BACK for a night of laugh out loud comedy with off-the-cuff wit, impromptu interpretation and comedy sketches. The show may contain kayaking, snorkelling, hedge trimming, angle grinding, exotic locations, police officers, teachers, cooking, movie stars, terrible accents, dream sequences, loud parties, various vegetables and bearded men.

Think ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ meets ‘Saturday Night Live’. This is not your ordinary entertainment.

‘Very fab, very fab indeed.’ - Dave Fanning, Broadcaster

ShowsSaturday 2nd May at 8pm in the Arts Centre

All your favourite comedians appearing at the Festival under one roof! The Festival Galas feature all your favourite comedians under one roof! Expertly hosted by Karl Spain and Al Porter, the all-star casts will deliver a great night of comedy, with perfect timing of course.

Opening GalaFRIDAY 1ST MAY AT 9PM IN TALBOT HOTEL

Host Karl Spain is joined by Joe Rooney, Kevin Gildea, Andréa Farrell, Lisa Casey and David McSavage

Closing GalaSUNDAY 3RD MAY AT 9PM IN TALBOT HOTEL

Host Al Porter is joined by Fred Cooke, Andrew Maxwell, Andréa Farrell, Paul Tylak and David McSavage

At a Glance - Comedy

Day MackensThomas Moore Tavern

Bugler Doyles

Sky and the Ground

Vine Restaurant

Talbot Hotel

Wexford Arts Centre Greenacres

DAVID MCSAVAGE 8PM • €18

COMEDY IN THE DARK8PM • €18

JOE ROONEY 10.30PM • €18

CULT MOVIE: THE BIG LEBOWSKIWITH KEVIN GILDEA 10.30PM • €10

FRED COOKE AND NIAMH MARRON9PM • €45 (INCL MEAL)10.30PM • €20 (SHOW ONLY)

OPENING GALA WITH KARL SPAIN,JOE ROONEY, KEVIN GILDEA, ANDRÉA FARRELL, LISA CASEY ANDDAVID MCSAVAGE9PM • €24

AL PORTER AND FRED COOKE 10.30PM • €18

COMEDY IN THE DARK 8PM • €18

KARL SPAIN, ANDRÉA FARRELL &NIAMH MARRON 10PM • €18

JON KENNY AND LISA CASEY 8PM • €18

WEXFORD IMPROV GROUP 8PM • €10

AL PORTER, KARL SPAIN AND FRED COOKE7PM • €22

DAVID MCSAVAGE, JOE ROONEY & LISA CASEY9.30PM • €22

DUBLIN COMEDY IMPROV 8PM • €15

JOE ROONEY, FRED COOKE, NIAMH MARRON9PM • €45 (INCL MEAL)10.30PM • €20 (SHOW ONLY)

CLOSING GALA WITH AL PORTER, FRED COOKE, ANDREW MAXWELL,ANDRÉA FARRELL, PAUL TYLAK AND DAVID MCSAVAGE 9PM • €24

ANDREW MAXWELL AND DAVID MCSAVAGE 7PM • €22

Friday 1st M

aySaturday 2nd M

aySunday 3rd M

ay

At a Glance - Street Theatre

Day Time Selskar Square Wexford Bus

BullRingWright Insurance Brokers

South Main St. Doyle Mahon Insurances

All Locations

Saturday 2nd May

1pm Chancy Brothers Bench Walkabout!

2pmTumble Circus Death or Circus

Renegade Cabaret Walkabout!

3pm Chancy Brothers Bench Walkabout!

4pmTumble Circus Death or Circus

Renegade Cabaret Walkabout!

Sunday 3rd May

1pmTumble Circus Death or Circus

Renegade Cabaret A Knights Tale Walkabout!

2pm Chancy Brothers BenchThe Fanzini Brothers Cannonball Circus

Walkabout!

3pmTumble Circus Death or Circus

Renegade Cabaret A Knights Tale Walkabout!

4pm Chancy Brothers BenchThe Fanzini Brothers Cannonball Circus

Walkabout!

Monday 4th May

1pm Grounded A Knights Tale Walkabout!

2pm BenchThe Fanzini Brothers Cannonball Circus

Walkabout!

3pm Grounded A Knights Tale Walkabout!

4pm BenchThe Fanzini Brothers Cannonball Circus

Walkabout!

The Bench Chancy Brothers

Fanzini BrothersLadies and gentlemen we are proud to present the amazing, exciting and thunderous spectacle that is the Fanzini Experience. Guido and Ronaldo Fanzini, inspired by the mountains of Venice and the canals of the Italian Alps, present their show Cannonball Circus. With no expense spared, with no concern for their safety, they laugh in the face of danger. They have torn up the budget and gave their accountant a good talking to in order to bring you an amazing variety of acts; dancing ladies, a motor bike wall of death, the flying trapeze, and the world famous Moroccan chicken throwers. But what’s this; Ronaldo has spent the entire budget on a gargantuan cannon! There is no money left for the acts! The show must go on, but what will they do...

ShowsSOUTH MAIN STREETSunday 3rd May, 2pm and 4pmMonday 4th May, 2pm and 4pm

This is the biggest park bench in the universe (probably). It has landed in the Bullring from outer space, obviously from a planet where people are very, very, very tall. The bench is a unique performance space which will welcome a myriad of performers over the weekend. Freaky Fire breathers, gentleman jugglers, boomtastic brass bands, hypnotic hula hoop dancers plus lots and lots of surprises – no two performances are the same!

ShowsTHE BULLRING Saturday 2nd May, 1pm and 3pmSunday 3rd May, 1pm and 3pmMonday 4th May, 1pm and 3pm

Four Brothers set adrift by economic stupidity are cut off from home and heartland since the last emergency. They wander the foreign streets, drinking the “Fodan Odange” and their memories are fuzzy with the fog of a thousand misspent nights. But now almost a hundred years after the sweet wine of Irish blood was spilled for Maud Gonne (is she the one on the old pound?) they wonder is it time to go Home. It’s not every day you get to see 8ft high men playing guitars with hands the size of shovels and that is no mean feat. Translation is available for anyone who doesn’t “like really get these randomers, like”

ShowsSELSKAR SQUARE Saturday 2nd May, 1pm and 3pmSunday 3rd May, 2pm and 4pm

Grounded Knights Tale Tumble Circus (Death or Circus)Based on actual events and with a cast

of literally FOUR, the show blends men with horses, maidens with minstrels and music with mirth. A moment of foolish insensitivity leaves two Brethren Knights fighting to defend their freedom; you can take their lives but you will never take their hands.

The brave Baron Von Fancypants (pronounced “fensypence”) tilts his Lence (pronounced “lance”) to stave off the advances of a not so fair Maiden. The foolhardy Sir Ralph accepts the challenge and there follows a blistering battle of blinding pace and toe curling excitement.

ShowsSOUTH MAIN STREETSunday 3rd May, 1pm and 3pmMonday 4th May, 1pm and 3pm

The trail blazing Tumble Circus continue their adventures in circus, by presenting their unique circus comedy street theatre show.

Juggling, acrobatics, hula hoops and absurd comedy. 45 mins of astounding physical skill and laughout loud comedy.

“A roller coaster firecracker of a street show” NME

ShowsTHE BULLRING Monday 4th May, 1pm and 3pm

MODERN LIFE IS RUBBISH. We need advice, guidance, and heroes. Kenneth Fall, the Rock God and saviour of Africa and Tina Machina, the Queen of Iceland and new age white witch of pop are under qualified but overly eager to share their absurd views on how to cure the planet.

Death or Circus is an exciting and absurd street circus show all set around a 8 meter high Trapeze Rig. Can celebrity anarchists and circus devilment save our children? A dysfunctional family circus show on modern culture including duo trapeze, corde lisse, partner acrobatics, hula hoop, slapstick and clowning.

ShowsSELSKAR SQUARE Saturday 2nd May, 2pm and 4pmSunday 3rd May, 1pm and 3pm

Renegade Cabaret Presents The Rola Bola Balance

Walkabout

“Mixing circus, theatre and, most importantly, Danger with a capital D to bring you a balancing act not to be missed.” Star of Renegade Cabaret, performer Su Hamilton explores circus skills through object manipulation and performance. Her new street show “The Rola Bola Balance” draws on her years of experience to bring a highly entertaining experience.

ShowsTHE BULLRING Saturday 2nd May, 2pm and 4pmSunday 3rd May, 1pm and 3pm

Wexford town has been invaded! Stylish stilt walkers, fantastical fire breathers, magical mime artists, amazing acrobats, colourful clowns, dancing fish, flying pigs, captured mermaids and giant mobile phones will be roaming the streets all weekend so keep your eyes peeled!

Saturday 2nd May, 1pm to 5pm / Sunday 3rd May, 1pm to 5pmMonday 4th May, 1pm to 5pm

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

.....

served Daily from 12pm

so much to choose from...

ONLY€20

Whites of Wexford, Abbey Street, Wexford, Ireland. T: +353 53 9122311 E: info@whitesofwexford.ie W: www.whitesofwexford.ie

Enjoy 1 Night Dinner, B&B

plus a Snipe of Bubbly

& Chocolates

from only €89pps Enjoy 3 Nights B&B

from only €219pps

STAY IN THE HEART OF THE TOWN

MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

STAY PACKAGES

Book today

to avoid

disappointment

053 912 2311

FREE cancellation 48 hours

prior to arrival

DYLANMORAN

Saturday 17th October Spiegeltent Festival dates: 15th to 26th October 2015

Jokes as sharp as barbed wire and a comedy brain quicker than a steel trap… Rarely have the rafters of the Playhouse shook so dangerously to the sound of laughter.”The Scotsman

“A supremely confident performer, his timing for delivering punch lines is something special” The Telegraph

Tickets now on sale