Comedy Tent, Saturday 4th September, 6.45pm



Describe in a tweet: A former fake priest has a lighthearted look at Ireland.



What Happened: Taking a break from all the music, ATL decides to explore one of the other sides to Electric Picnic. As well as various talks, art events, and a circus tent, there is a jam-packed comedy tent, featuring a variety of newcomers and familiar faces. Definitely falling into the latter camp, Ardal O'Hanlon bounds out onto the stage to a rapturous reception, immediately telling us that - above all else - we have to stay positive.



Over the course of half an hour, he uses this theme to explore his views on religion, relationships, the economy, and Ireland itself. O'Hanlon's brand of comedy is pleasingly gentle, but not afraid of showing its claws when the situation arises.



There's a lot of love in the room, and when he lets it slip that he used to be a fictional priest, the crowd go crazy. It initially looks like a mis-step, as the crowd WILL NOT LET GO OF THIS, but eventually he regains control. However, as a special treat to us all, the set finishes with a mass sing-a-long of 'My Lovely Horse', a song he claims he hasn't sung in 15 years.



He remembered the words pretty well, though - that's for sure.



Electric Dreams: Describing the relative benefits of living in Ireland, O'Hanlon reminds us that we are one of the only nations that can gaze at the sun for as long as we want to, with no harmful side-effects. There is, as he astutely points out, very little else to do.



Ants at a picnic: The compares urge the people standing outside to "Cram on in! There's plenty of room!" ATL would like to point out that there isn't. There is no room left at all, thank you very much.



EP Rating: 8/10