Cork is set to host a feast of comedy this week

The Comedy Store Gala is on tonight (Thursday) at the Opera House, featuring Micky Overman, Sofie Hagen, Aurie Styla, and Andrew Mensah.

After almost 45 years in the business, The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new talent, and remains the place to see tomorrow’s stars today.

The likes of Eddie Izzard, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert and Sarah Millican, all cut their comedy teeth there. Now see the next brigade to reach the top!

Note there will be special effects like strobes, flashing, smoke and haze, and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. 8pm start.

Katherine Ryan’s Battleaxe this Saturday, October 12, is sold out, but there are still just a few tickets left for Gina And The Champions on Sunday, celebrating 50 years in the showband business.

Similarly, just a few seats left for The Rock Orchestra on Monday.

Wednesday, October 16, brings a most unusual offering by Irish National Opera. Irish composer Emma O’Halloran has turned two of her uncle Mark O’Halloran’s plays into a critically acclaimed double bill: Trade, and Mary Motorhead. 7.30pm start, note. Call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie

Over at the Everyman, The Illegals are on stage tomorrow night with Niamh Kavanagh. Saturday brings that great stand-up Serena Terry (Mammy Banter), with her new show, All Tied Up, tracking the trials and tribulations of a working mum, a new career, mental health, marriage and perimenopause. Unsurprisingly, it’s sold out! Maybe she’ll give us another date?

Deirdre O’Kane’s new show, O-Kaning It, on Sunday is also sold out, but she’s already provided another date on January 5.

The legendary Ruby Wax is here on Thursday, October 17, with I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was, chronicling the very real stress of a comedian’s life.

Booking for all Everyman shows on 021 450 1673 or www.everymancork.com

Still time to catch After Luke at Cork Arts Theatre, but this darkly comic exploration of a father/son relationship ends on Saturday.

Next Tuesday, for just one performance, it’s The Invaders’ Fear of Memories based on the life and diaries of Yousef Nachmani – a Russian Jew who migrated from Tsarist Russia to Ottoman Palestine in 1907, playing a central role in the forced displacement of thousands of Palestinians. 7pm.

Then, Wednesday to Saturday, it’s the Cork International Short Story Festival, one of the most prestigious of its kind.

Booking on www.corkartstheatre.com or 021 450 5624.

Tearmann Aiteach / Queer Sanctuary by Fearghus Ó Conchúir and Isabella Oberländer opens tomorrow, Friday, in Dance Cork Firkin Crane, at 7.30pm. Isabella is a dance artist who has aligned her performance practice with a wide range of queer and feminist art-making in Ireland. Fearghus is a dance artist whose work has investigated the politics of gay experience in Ireland. They have been developing this work together for the past two years. You’re invited to watch, and if you fancy, to dive in! Dress up or not. Sparkle! 021 450 7427 or https://dancecorkfirkincrane.ie/

Advance notice: Nathan Carter, one of Ireland’s leading country music performers, will take to the stage at The Arches in Mallow on October 25 for a major fundraising concert benefiting the Irish Kidney Association, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

Known for his captivating stage presence and hit songs like Wagon Wheel and Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya, Nathan has garnered quite a fan base for his ability to blend traditional Irish music with contemporary country sounds.

His performances are a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and music, making this concert a must-see. Local band The 3 Buachaillí are also on the programme.

Tickets from Eventbrite, Kiely’s Garage in Mallow, and NathanCarterMusic.com