Jupitus up for a good laugh at Galway event

VETERAN comic Phill Jupitus has revealed his love of the Galway Comedy Festival, describing the annual event as "like a holiday where, occasionally, you'll do a gig".

- BY DARRAGH MURPHY

Comedy fans looking for a laugh over the October Bank Holiday are in luck as the Festival has now unveiled its lineup for this year's event, promising chuckles aplenty with one of its biggest programmes to date.

Dozens of mirth-makers are due to perform 69 shows across 16 venues between October 21 and 27 in what has become a staple in the Irish comedy calendar.

With faces old and new, one constant when it comes to the festival is Never Mind The Buzzcocks legend Jupitus. While Phill, 63, has distanced himself from stand-up comedy in recent years, he keeps coming back to Galway every year.

MAVERICK

The acclaimed English performer has outlined why he never says "no" when offered the chance to return to the festival.

"I've had a role at the Galway Comedy Festival over the years as a sort of maverick, No. 12 shirt on the bench. I basically fill holes in the festival when they come up. I have abilities as a host, I do poetry, I do improvised comedy," Phill told this newspaper.