Culture | Books, Music, Theatre, Film & The Arts

The 'Ridiculous' Jimeoin on the joy of stand up

We sat down with comedian Jimeoin to discuss breaking into comedy, his new tour, Ridiculous, and the joy of stand-up.

Tara Flynn on falling back in love with Ireland

We sat down with author and comedian Tara Flynn to discuss her book, Rage In, her new podcast, Taranoia, and her relationship with Ireland following the repeal of the eighth amendment.

Podcasts • 24 Oct 18

Nostalgic for the 90s? Spice up your life with Emma & Julie

We sat down with comedians Emma Doran and Julie Jay to discuss upcoming gigs and their nostalgic podcast, Up to 90.

Comedy • 08 Oct 18

Comedian David Cross (Photo by Slaven Vlasic Getty Images)

David Cross on #MeToo and the importance of voting

American actor, stand-up and director David Cross comes to Dublin to play Vicar Street with his new tour, Oh Come On.

Comedy • 08 Nov 18

Jason Byrne on the difference between American and Irish comedy

We sat down with comedic heavyweight Jason Byrne to find out what separates the Americans from the Irish.

Comedy • 23 Jul 18

Blindboy Boatclub plays Vodafone on Sat, 28th of July.

Blindboy: "I'd interview artificial intelligence if it was going"

We spoke with Blindboy Boatclub on his dislike for festivals, his future career plans and the delicate nature of his weekly podcast hug.

Comedy • 18 Jul 18

Funnyman Chris Kent on the highs and lows of comedy

Over 120 comedians are set to descend upon the Iveagh Gardens from the 26th-29th of July for the Vodafone Comedy Festival.

Chris Kent • 24 Jul 18

Joanne McNally & Alison Spittle's top picks for Vodafone Comedy

Comedians Joanne McNally and Alison Spittle dropped by RTÉ to share their top picks for the Vodafone Comedy Festival, taking place in Dublin's Iveagh Gardens from Thursday, 26th to Sunday, 29th of July.

Comedy • 05 Jul 18

After 35 years, what's next for Aslan?

Aslan's lead singer Christy Dignam and guitarist Billy McGuinness sat down to discuss their new single, their favourite venues in Ireland and the secret to their success.

Music • 29 Jun 18

Jason Manford is set to play Kilkenny Cat Laughs this June

Funnyman Jason Manford: Why the Irish are "best in comedy"

We spoke to Jason Manford about his career goals, the modern comedy scene and why he's nicknamed Kilkenny as 'Clown Town'.

Comedy • 11 Dec 19

Kevin McGahern: From Rubber Ducks to Cat Laughs

Perhaps best known for his roles in RTÉ's Hardy Bucks and Republic of Telly, Kevin McGarhern has led a varied career...

Comedy • 20 Jun 18

Comic Iliza Shlesinger on the genius & absurdity of being a woman

Ahead of her upcoming Vicar Street gig, we spoke with comedian Iliza Shlesinger about millennial feminism, growing up with her audience and playing Ireland.

Comedy • 11 Dec 19

Karl Spain on Cat Laughs and Ireland's new wave of comedy

Karl Spain is set to join a host of all-star comedians at the Kilkenny Cat Laughs Comedy Festival this Summer.

Comedy • 06 Apr 18

Comic Richard Herring on life as an aging white man

Ten years ago, Richard Herring was resisting adulthood and fighting his way through a mid-life crisis. Now, as a husband and father, he's taking stock of his adult life with his new show, Oh Frig! I'm 50.

Comedy • 20 Jun 18

Paul Howard would "love" Bernard Brogan for his Coppers musical

"I feel a lot of pressure to get this musical right, because Coppers is just so beloved by Irish people," says Paul Howard.

Theatre • 16 Mar 18

Louise O'Neill on female anti-heroes and feminist dating

Irish author Louise O'Neill explains why she chose to write a female anti-hero for her latest novel, Almost Love, and how she keeps the faith when dating as a famous feminist.

Books • 14 Mar 18

Rob Schneider on Irish crowds, lazy comics & meeting Trump

Also, if you've seen more than one Adam Sandler movie in the past 20 years, there's a fair-to-decent chance Schneider popped up somewhere - they've done more than 10 movies together. Now he's coming to Ireland with his standup act.

Comedy • 11 Dec 19

Pat Shortt on Irish-isms, filmmaking and turning 50

Pat Shortt is gearing up to tour new stand up show, 'How's Tings?' across Ireland this January. Watch our interview with the comedian below.

Comedy • 01 Jan 18

Jarlath Regan on balancing life, death and comedy

We sat down with Irish comedian Jarlath Regan to speak about his new show, his recent organ donation and the origins of his hit podcast, An Irishman Abroad.

Comedy • 08 Nov 18

A sit-down with... Reginald D Hunter

Speaking to RTÉ Culture ahead of his Vicar Street gig, Reginald D Hunter discusses his relationship with Ireland, why comedians are losing their nerve - and how he takes down trolls.

Comedy • 17 Oct 17

A sit-down with... Josh Ritter

American singer-songwriter Josh Ritter on embracing his "inner weirdo", his most memorable moment in Ireland, working with Bob Weir and his relationship with hip-hop.

Music • 10 Oct 17

A sit down with...Alison Spittle

We sat down with comedian Alison Spittle to chat about her start in comedy, her favourite places to gig in Ireland and what she'll be doing at this year's Vodafone Comedy Festival.

Culture • 28 Jul 17

A sit down with... Emmet Kirwan

As Body&Soul returns to Ballinlough Castle in Westmeath this weekend, RTÉ Culture sat down with writer and performer Emmet Kirwan about the festival, his career and plans for the future.

Theatre • 20 Jun 18

A sit down with... Brian 'Limmy' Limond

RTÉ Culture sat down with comedian Brian 'Limmy' Limond to discuss the addictive qualities of controversy, his need to troll Trump followers on Twitter, and the correlation between comedy and mental health.

Comedy • 20 Jun 18

A sit down with...Des Bishop

RTÉ Culture sat down with Irish-American comedian Des Bishop to discuss his severe jet lag, upcoming shows and brand new dance moves.

Comedy • 08 Nov 18