If the winter slump has you feeling a bit blue, don’t worry because Show Me The Funny (SMTF) is back with five Monday nights of fresh, fearless comedy. Ireland’s biggest and longest-running comedy competition, proudly sponsored by Bulmers, is now underway at Galway’s iconic Kings Head and it’s on the hunt for the country’s next breakout star. Discover more below..
Since its launch in 2010, SMTF has grown into a genuine career springboard for new acts. “It’s basically for newbies” says Gerry Mallon, who has MC’d the event since its very first year. “The people who haven’t really done many paid gigs yet. Those already on the circuit aren’t eligible to enter.”
above: photo by Andew Downes
Each of the five heats will see ten up-and-coming comedians from across the island battle it out in eight-minute sets. From these, two will go straight through to the Grand Final on March 2nd, with two wildcards joining them for a total of twelve finalists. The winner walks away with something every start-out comic dreams of: a coveted slot at the Electric Picnic Comedy Tent, plus two VIP weekend camping tickets to the sold-out festival. And that’s just the beginning; runner-up prizes include slots at the Galway Comedy Festival, Paddy Power Comedy Festival - Iveagh Gardens, Bray Comedy Festival, Galway International Arts Festival, and more.
If that sounds like a solid launchpad, the alumni list confirms it. Emma Doran, Martin Angolo, Alison Spittle, Julie Jay, Eddie Mullarkey, Al Porter, Bernard Casey, and Sophia Wren have all stepped into the SMTF stage before stepping into major success. “It’s not necessarily career-defining,” Gerry says, “but it can be career-changing.”
But SMTF isn’t just a competition, it’s a community. Gerry lights up when talking about the camaraderie. “It’s not just the prizes and the competition, it’s also a great place for comedians who are starting off to meet. There is a real community feel to it, and they exchange ideas and tips.” Even audience members get pulled into the journey, returning weekly to cheer on comics and enjoying the thrill of seeing performers go from zero to hero, as Gerry puts it. Each heat also features a special guest from the professional circuit, names like Karl Spain or John Colleary, performing while the judges deliberate. “They’re very giving of their time and advice,” Gerry says. “It’s very wholesome.”
And then there’s the venue: The Kings Head, long considered a key part of Galway’s comedy scene. “They’ve always been great supporters of comedy, with the Ruby Room upstairs,” Gerry explains. “Tommy Tiernan does shows there, and Hector [Ó hEochagáin], and I run the shows there during the arts festival.”
above: photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Along with all the laughs, audience members can feel good about the value too. Tickets can be bought at the door for just €5, including a free pint of Bulmers. Doors open at 7.30pm, with the show starting at 8.30pm, and in Gerry’s words: “For a fiver, you’re basically getting paid to be there. And,” he teases, “if you like Bulmers you’re in heaven.”
As for what this year will bring? Gerry smiles knowingly. Every year, someone walks onstage whom no one has ever heard of, and walks off as a finalist, or maybe even a future comedy star. Who knows? This year, you might be among the first to see Ireland’s next comedy sensation! So free up the next few Monday nights, show up to The Kings Head, enjoy a pint, and let them show you the funny.
Main image by Declan Monaghan.
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