If comedy is the means to deal with a world in crisis, then the Comedy Tent at this year’s Electric Picnic will provide bucket loads of succor for these troubled times we find ourselves living in right now. A myriad of mirth, mayhem, mischief and comedic delight is in store as some of the biggest names in the industry alongside a whole host of original, exciting, emerging comics descend upon the rolling lawns of the beautiful Stradbally estate.
Grinning ear to ear, as we present THE 2025 COMEDY Arena line-up!
It’s hard to believe that one of the UK and Ireland’s favourite stand-up comedians and national treasure Dara Ó Briain is making his Electric Picnic debut this year. Dara’s imaginative and ridiculously funny comedy is a masterclass in intelligent stand-up and his early afternoon slot on Saturday 30th is not to be missed.
With over 2 million likes and followers on Facebook and 500 million online views, comedy sketch troupe Foil Arms and Hog have been a worldwide phenomenon. Fast, funny and furious, they have sold out arenas all over the world and their appearance at this year’s Picnic will be the Foil’s only Irish festival show this year.
The hottest ticket in comedy right now, comedian, writer, illustrator and podcaster, Jarlath Regan is the sort of comic you want to take home to meet your mam. His unstoppable, relentless never-ending flow of fantastic tales and over the top mind-blowing observations, cause near hysteria wherever he performs.
Chris Kent is making a long overdue return to Electric Picnic. A compelling and master storyteller, he lures an audience into his quiet beta-male world with stories that are engrossing, evocative and wryly witty.
Another returnee is Belfast’s Shane Todd, described as a ‘modern day King of Comedy’. His freewheeling storytelling style has made him a star at home and all over the world.
We are super excited to announce that five of the most talked about and popular comics on the circuit are also making their Picnic debuts this year. Cork native and Barcelona resident Kyla Cobbler brings a freshness to the scene with her honest, blunt and deep storytelling style, combined with her powerful energy onstage have made her the big new talent you don’t want to miss. Katy Boyle is an Irish comedian living in New York City, her debut TV special I’ll Do it Myself has hit over 1 million views on YouTube.
Since swapping her corporate career for comedy, Tik Tok star Rachel Galvo aka The Shite Feminist has become an overnight sensation. With a sold-out Olympia Theatre under her belt, her sharp wit has earned her a fiercely loyal fanbase across social media. Vittorio Angelone is an Italian Irish comedian from Belfast who has accelerated through the comedy ranks at an anxiety inducing rate since being nominated for best newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022. Kilkenny’s Mike Rice has just completed his first tour of the UK and Ireland to sold out audiences and critical acclaim. A phenomenal wordsmith and world class raconteur, this is dirty, hysterical comedy at its best.
Andrew Maxwell is one of Ireland’s best-known comics, with countless TV appearances, he has even gone and won Celebrity Mastermind which for anyone who has been in a room with him for over five minutes will come as no surprise. There is no end to affable Dubliner Gearoid Farrelly’s talents. To be in his audience is a joy. His blend of quick wit and impeccable comic timing has made him one of the best loved acts on the circuit. Emma Doran is a comedian, podcaster and self-proclaimed chancer. Dry and sarcastic, she has her finger firmly on the pulse of society and is wickedly funny.
Expect strong sets from the likes of affable Dub Eric Lalor, award winning Hot Young Guys podcasters and comedy gods Killian Sundermann, Shane Daniel Byrne and Tony Cantwell. Ireland’s ‘Best Kept Comedy Secret’ John Colleary, Bridget and Eamon creator and star Bernard O’Shea, Canadian slacker comic Glen Wool, silly and politely offensive Martin Angolo, brains, banter and brilliance from Danny O’Brien, sassy, sexy, saucy and side -splittingly funny, Aideen McQueen, Joe.ie content creator Ryan Carrick, Cherry Comedy Club host Fiona Frawley, London based Irish comic Peter Flanagan and exciting new comedy star Galway girl Aoife Dunne.
Down through the years, Electric Picnic has sought to provide a platform to the best of the new breed of comedians, so prepare to be wowed by the stars of tomorrow when Síomha Hennessy, Steve Spade, Emer Maguire, Bronagh Diamond, Darragh Bourke and Eddie Mullarkey play the biggest gig in their careers thus far.
Of course, a Comedy Circus this big needs a ringmaster par excellence to keep the show moving along and who better than your host and MC for the weekend than the wonderful Karl Spain.
The Electric Picnic Comedy Tent opens at 1.30pm on Saturday August 30th and Sunday August 31st 2025.
