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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Sophie McLaughlin

Secrets of the Comedy Circuit: New UTV show to give behind-the-scenes look into NI industry

A new TV series set to air on UTV will give viewers the full Northern Irish comedy club experience from the comfort of their living rooms.

'Secrets of the Comedy Circut' is a four-part series diving into the world of comedy in NI at a time when the industry continues to go from strength to strength.

Filmed at the Empire Laughs Back comedy club in the Empire Music Hall in South Belfast, viewers will not only be treated to some serious laughs from some of the best talents across the country, but it will also give them a sneak peek into what happens behind the curtain.

Read more: Belfast's 'longest-running' comedy club celebrates 30 years of laughter

Celebrating 30 years of laughter, the Empire Laughs Back is one of the country's running clubs and has seen many a big-time comic pass through its door.

The first episode, airing on Thursday, November 10 at 11.05pm on UTV, will follow local legends Paddy McDonell, Paddy Raff, Diona Doherty and Kildare native Emman Idama.

Jackie Hamilton, managing director of MoondogProductions, which produced and directed the series told UTV: “The comedy club is seen as a rite of passage for comedians from all over the UK and Ireland.

"Many famous stars such as Kevin Bridges, Romesh Ranganathan and Sarah Millican along famous locals such as Paddy Kielty, Colin Murphy and Paddy Raff have cut their comedy chops at the Empire Laughs Back Comedy Club over the past 30 years. It is the natural home of comedy in Northern Ireland.

“We hope that this series gives the viewers a snapshot and a sense of what’s going on week in and week out locally on the vibrant comedy circuit. There is a thriving creative community here and we’re delighted to bring it to a wider audience.”

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