One of Ireland’s most loved comedians will be spreading Irish cheer this March on his US tour including stops in Chicago, Kansas, San Francisco and Boston. Ardal O’Hanlon, internationally famous for his role as Father Dougal in the comedy series “Father Ted”, will be joined by Bryan Walsh, Brad Meehan, David Studebaker, and Dave Rattigan on stage in each city during tour.

Irish Kings of Comedy was created to bring the best of Irish comedic talent to American audiences. The Ardal O'Hanlon tour is the first in a fresh series of Irish Kings of Comedy tours.

Despite a wavering economy, the current comedy scene in Ireland is thriving. Irish culture is rich in wit and storytelling. As a result, Ireland has produced a stable of world class stand-up comics. American audiences have a huge appetite for the Irish sense of humor and Irish Kings of Comedy wants to bring this across the Atlantic. The tours also give top Irish comics the opportunity of playing to audiences in the US.

Read a recent interview with Ardal O’Hanlon on IrishCentral here

Ardal O’Hanlon is a highly acclaimed stand up, who has performed to sellout audiences internationally and has released two top ten stand up DVDs. He continues to be one of the most sought after comedians working with regular sell out solo tours.

He is also an award winning comedian, actor, writer, and star of “Father Ted”, “My Hero” and “Val Falvey” He’s also had With guest leads in programmes as diverse as “Skins” (UK) and “Doctor Who”.

His theater work has received great acclaim including his role in “The God of Carnage” at the Gate Theatre, Dublin, “Port Authority” at the Southwark Theatre, London, and “See You Next Tuesday” in the West End.

O’Hanlon's debut novel ‘The Talk of the Town’ remained in the bestseller charts for more than six months and was recently voted one of the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die".

Here’s the lineup for the king of Irish comedy tour:

Thursday, February 28th - Chicago - Irish American Heritage Stage

Back up stand up - Bryan Walsh

Bryan has been performing stand-up for over five years.  Born in Ireland and raised in Canada, he is based in London and New York.  He describes himself as an “alternative, surreal, anti-comedian”.

Friday, March 1st - Kansas City - City Stage Union Station

Back up stand up – Brad Meehan

From his offbeat delivery to tall tales of his quirky family members, two-time Emmy-nominated comedian Brad Meehan always delivers a highly energetic, hilarious performance.

His talents have recently earned him recognition as the All Comedy Radio "Funniest Person in Kansas City" and was featured on the Today Show in their "Quest for the Best Comedian in America".

Saturday, March 2nd - San Francisco - United irish Cultural Center

Back up stand up – David Studebaker

David Studebaker is the winner of two Bay Area wide stand up competitions, was a finalist in the others and is a regular at the legendary San Francisco Punch Line. His work beyond stand up includes "The Big Bris," a Remi-Award winning 20 minute short that's been screened at film festivals all over the country.

Monday, March 4th - Boston - Paradise Rock Club

Back up stand up – Dave Rattigan

Dave Rattigan’s deadpan delivery and quick, dry wit has made him a favorite at clubs, corporate shows, colleges, theaters and fund-raising shows in Boston and New England.
 
Described as edgy enough to keep comedy fans engaged, but clean enough to work in front of corporate audiences, Rattigan has performed around the Northeast United States and in Ireland.

Tickets and information for all four Irish Kings of Comedy shows can be found here.