Ed Byrne

Interview: @MrEdByrne

In preparation for our interview with Ed Byrne we decided to ask our Twitter followers if they had any questions for the Irish stand-up.

Video: Ed Byrne interview

Ahead of his appearance at the Brighton Comedy Festival, Ed Byrne spoke to to BBC Breakfast's Bill Turnbull and Louise Minchin about the joys of parenting, Twitter and Blind Date.

Ed Byrne interview

Irish wit Ed Byrne spills the comical beans as he chats about life on the road, stand up and, erm, vajazzling.

Having recently come back from the Fringe this week I thought to myself: "Do you know what I need? To watch some more stand-up comedy."

BBC Three has been broadcasting a selection of Fringe programmes. One of these is Edinburgh Comedy Fest, hosted by Jon Richardson, featuring a selection of stand-up comedians and musical comedians performing at the Fringe.

Alongside Richardson were Josh Widdicombe, Neil Delamere, Abandoman, Seann Walsh, Mark Watson, Russell Kane, David O'Doherty, Andrew Lawrence, Ron Vaudey, Jimeoin, Tom Stade, Ed Byrne and Shappi Khorsandi. I don't know about you, but to me that seems a bit too much.

This programme only lasted an hour, and there were 14 different acts. On average they performed less than 5 minutes each. Also, as far as I know, Vaudey isn't even performing at the Fringe. What's more, it was not exactly that diverse. Granted there were comedians from abroad (Canadian, Irish, Iranian), but there was only one woman performing and one non-white person performing - and that was the same person.

In this short format, some comedians did come across better than others. Widdicombe, Delamere and O'Doherty got the laughs, while Vaudey seemed to be a bit flat. I think it would've been a better show if there were more episodes that were of a shorter length. And more variety in terms of style of performers and their backgrounds would be nice, too.

First of two showcases hosted by Jon Richardson, featuring stand-up acts at this year's Edinburgh Fringe festival. Comedians slated to appear include laconic Irishman Ed Byrne, whimsical Welshman Mark Watson, and razor-sharp, wide-eyed Shappi Khorsandi. This and The Culture Show have the festival pretty well covered but it would be nice to see more of the new, breaking comic talent on the fringe this year. Still, this makes you miss the half-lit caves crammed with damp tourists who've been drinking since midday.

BBC3's Edinburgh Fringe coverage peaks with this, their own live comedy show recorded two days ago at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, held in aid of a local charity that provides support to people with HIV and hepatitis C.

It's just about the closest you'll get on the TV to the cream of the Fringe. Dependably funny
big names are everywhere, starting with the two comperes: Jon Richardson, who's been bringing his diffident wit to Eight Out of Ten Cats this year, and the smart Andi Osho, who should be a bigger TV property than she is. On the bill are Ed Byrne, Mark Watson, Shappi Khorsandi and Seann Walsh, among others.

Video: Amnesty at the fringe: Stand Up for Freedom

Amnesty International has always had great support from comedians, who value the right to freedom of speech more than most. At last week's Stand Up for Freedom comedy night at the Edinburgh festival, a 1,200-strong audience watched the best of fringe comedy and also did their bit for human rights. Here's a sneak peek at the sold-out show, with Ed Byrne, Holly Walsh, David O'Doherty and Jenny Eclair.

Ed Byrne hosts first sell-out comedy gala for charity

Organisers hope The Big C raises more than £20,000.

Video: Ed Byrne happy to be labelled a crowd pleaser

Irish comedian returns to the Edinburgh Festival with new show 'Crowd Pleaser' - which does exactly what it says on the tin.

Edinburgh 2011: My Edinburgh - Ed Byrne

Edinburgh festival 2011 performers tell us what Edinburgh means to them. Today: Ed Byrne.