What do you watch and read if you’re a professional comedian on the hunt for a laugh? Ten of Ireland’s funniest tell us about the comedic gems that have them rolling in the aisles time and again
All the LOLs
Behind every great comedian is a treasure trove of inspiration — the cultural creations from page to screen that nurtured their humour and showed them the keys to creating great laughs. With the Paddy Power Comedy Festival set to visit the Iveagh Gardens from July 25-28, we asked 10 Irish comedians performing at it about their favourite comedic films, TV shows and books. What tickled their funny bone? What do they return to year after year?
It turns out that from long-time comedy stalwarts to social media-based newcomers, Ireland’s comedians know it’s the classics that have the sticking power. One comic even uses their favourite funny TV show to assess potential romantic partners.