Cathal Costello

The only way is up for rising comedy star Cathal Costello. A gifted actor, mimic, and stand-up comedian, his exposure on RTE has brought him to national prominence.

Mr. Costello, a veritable voice machine, did Gerry Adams, Michael Noonan, Bertie Aherne, Christy Moore, Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny and Frank McCourt on RTE’s Saturday morning satirical show, The Usual Suspects. Coincidentally this show occupied the slot once filled by Scrap Saturday, which launched another gifted mimic, the late Dermot Morgan.

A lot of time goes into becoming an overnight success, and the Ballinasloe man has put in that time. A DJ in his younger years, he first tried comedy with the Tenants Comedy Search in 1992. He won through to the final on The Late Late Show, coming second. Three years later he won the top spot in the Heineken Search for a Star competition, then joined Joe Dolan on a nation-wide tour.

“That was a brilliant experience,” said Mr. Costello.

“When you play for a real audience rather than a comedy club audience, your material has to be sharp.”

Mr. Costello is one of the best live comedians around. His show is a mix of brilliant gags, a stunning array of voices, and some very sharp topical material. His Liam Lawor is priceless, while his round-up of country stars, where he plays Christy Moore leading a session, always has them rolling in the aisles - and you don’t want to miss his dotty old woman - audience participation at its sharpest.

The latest honor to fall his way was an invitation to take part in the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Festival. “Unfortunately I couldn’t go - I was touring America with a play at the time,” he grinned.

Cathal has also toured several times in the Middle East and Abu Dhabi.

For two years Mr. Costello was a key member of the team behind The Usual Suspects. As well as playing several of the voices, he was one of the writers of the show, an experience which has made his stand-up show a lot more topical. with a strong background as an award-winning actor, Mr. Costello has all it takes to make it to the top. If you get the chance, don’t miss this rising star.