Presented by Karl Spain and Anna Clifford, RTÉ2's Laughter in the Eyre captures the magic of the 2019 Vodafone Comedy Carnival in Galway. We spoke with Anna to find out what viewers can look forward to - watch it the video above.
Every year, Galway is filled with laughter as a host of homegrown and international comedians arrive in the city of tribes to take part in Vodafone's annual Comedy Carnival.
With thousands of fans watching over a hundred comedians in venues all across the city, the event posed as the perfect opportunity for RTÉ2 to highlight some of the country's top talent.
Last October, film crews descended on the festival to try and capture some of the magic and colour of this remarkable week. According to presenter Anna Clifford, Laughter in the Eyre has the perfect mix of new and established talent.
"They get so much in on the hour and I think they showcase everyone really well," says Anna. "There's the headliners and international acts like Andrew Maxwell, Reginald D. Hunter, Terry Alderton, Jo Caulfield and Seann Walsh - all brilliant.
"Then, you've got loads of new faces; local talent, up and coming comics like Enya Martin, Shane Todd, Ryan Cullen, Jim Elliott - the list goes on. I think that was a great opportunity for them because there's not enough comedy on Irish telly at the minute."
Having started stand-up over five years ago, Anna has spent much of her career gigging in London, and eventually decided to move to the UK full-time three years ago.
Like many of her contemporaries, she recognised how many more opportunities that London held for her but, she says she's delighted to be presenting to an Irish audience.
"Everyone has a different reason to go to London. I live there because someone said they had a room and I didn't want to be in Dublin," she laughed. "But also knowing that there were more opportunities there, it's a great city but it's nice to be able to come home and be on Irish telly."
Not only will the programme be showcasing the stand-up performances from the festival but viewers will get a sneak peek backstage as both Anna and Karl speak with the comics about their material.
"It was really interesting actually," smiles Anna. "I got to interview them on their material, how they write and what their passions are. I loved that because even getting to talk to Jo Caulfield, as a female comic and someone you look up to, I want to know... I love hearing about struggles and successes."
As Galway winds up for its year as European Capital of Culture 2020, there is no better time for audiences to see the city at its very best.
"Galway is such a great city. The show captures it so brilliantly, all the shots will make people who have never been to Galway really want to go. It's the European Capital of Culture so they just have so much on; loads festivals for comedy, music, dancing - it's an excellent location for that."
The show will 'Eyre' on RTE2 on Thursday 30th January at 10.30pm.
