Not all of the towers are gone, but already Ballymun has started replacing them with new landmarks. And top of the list is the axis arts centre (no capitals please, we’re arty types). The House of Fun comedy club has been running here since 2005.
WHO’S PLAYED THERE? Desmond Tutu. Well, not really, but he was in Ballymun recently, where he described the people as ‘beautiful butterflies.’ We bet Dessie would be even more impressed if he knew that axis has hosted Tommy Tiernan, Ardal O’Hanlon and Deirdre O’Kane.
TALENT Des Bishop uncovered some of the comedic talent of Da Mun in his show, Joy in da Hood, including Eric Lalor, who was a real find. Since then the House of Fun has become a regular stop on the touring schedule of every semi-decent Irish comic.
VENUE A great setup – nice big stage for the comedians to use, comfy seats at the back if you don’t want to get picked on. Intimidating for the comics too – a full house means 222 grumpy punters to impress.
WE LIKE... Setting up a comedy club takes balls, no matter where you do it. And doing it in Ballymun? Well that shows more brass than a trumpet factory. And the audience really go for it too.
WE DON’T LIKE SO MUCH... It’s a pity the options for getting out to Ballymun are so limited. But we live in hope that the public transport options will improve. Sometime. Eventually. Maybe.
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