Up Close and Personal

Up Close and Personal offers an intimate evening's entertainment with some of Ireland's most popular and original comic talent. This three-part series was recorded earlier this month in front of a specially invited audience in Dublin's Sugar Club. The series showcases a wide range of Irish comedy styles and attitudes and features the Mistress of Mirth - Deirdre O'Kane, the Master of Mayhem - Jason Byrne and the Don Of Deadpan - Jimeoin.

Episodes

Deirdre O'Kane

RTÉ Two, Sunday 26 December 2010, 10.00pm

First up is the "Mistress of Mirth" - one Deirdre O'Kane, now part of the Irish comedic diaspora in London. In recent years, Deidre has been pursuing her acting career - and raising a growing family. Tonight is a rare opportunity for Irish viewers to catch up with one of this country's brightest and best-loved comics - as Deirdre returns to deliver a virtuoso one-woman show.

Jimeoin

RTÉ Two, Monday 27 December 2010, 9.00pm

Then there is the "Don of Deadpan" - one Jimeoin, who has travelled back to his native sod from the beaches of the Antipodes. Another all-time favourite at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, Jimeoin moved to Australia from his small town in County Derry over twenty years ago. Since then, he has become one of the biggest comedy stars in the Southern Hemisphere. Once again, this is his first major TV appearance in Ireland - since he featured on RTÉ's "Nighthawks" in the early 90s.

Jason Byrne

RTÉ Two, Tuesday 28 December 2010, 9.00pm

Finally there is the "Master of Mayhem" - one Jason Byrne of this parish. In the past few years, Jason has achieved the type of international recognition that many feel is his due. He has been the toast of Edinburgh's Comedy Festival. He is now in the third season of his hit radio series for the BBC. And he has toured the world to sell-out audiences - taking his unique one-man show across the globe. This appearance is the first time that his whole manic act has been seen on Irish TV.