BRENDAN BURKE
Brendan Burke gave up a career in microbiology and a life of luxury in the Middle East to pursue life as a stand-up comedian, and has since become one of the finest and most experienced acts from the Emerald Isle. As a regular face on Irish television, he has cemented his reputation in Ireland and is now making his assault on the UK.
Already a crowd favourite and at many venues across the country, Brendan's take on all things from the drinking habits of his native folk to whatever happened in the news the day before will win him many more fans.
Brendan made his Edinburgh Festival debut in 2001, hosting the 'Best of Irish' show at The Stand, and returned the following year with his first solo show 'One Night In Baghdad'. He is now preparing his second full-length show, simply titled 'Brendan Burke', for this year's Festival.
Having spent 3 years supporting household names including Patrick Kielty, Brendan O'Carroll and Pat Shortt, he has now progressed to packing out theatres and arts centres in his own right, gradually amassing a cult following along the way.
Brendan is an instantly recognisable face from Irish television, following appearances in hugely successful comedy shows including 'Father Ted', 'Don't Feed The Gondolas', 'The X-It Files' and 'Liffy Laughs'. He also writes a regular column for a national Irish newspaper and has appeared in countless other programmes in a straight acting role.
''suddenly I realised I was in the hands of a master comedian'' - The Guardian