Scene and Heard

Comedian Frankie Boyle will have shows in Cork and Dublin next December.

COMEDY CAPERS: Controversial and often hilarious Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle has announced dates in Ireland for later this year, including the Olympia, Dublin, (Dec 3) and Cork Opera House (Dec 9). The tour is entitled The Last Days of Sodom and as ever will probably tread that fine line between risqué and poor taste. Liverpool funny man John Bishop is one of the biggest names in Britain at the moment and will be at the O2 in Dublin on Nov 7. Another popular foreign act on his way here is Bill Bailey who has added two more dates at the Olympia in Dublin, Jun 1 and 2. Karl Spain is at City Limits in Cork tomorrow.

MUSIC NEWS: Sinéad O’Connor’s ongoing bout of ill health seems particularly tragic given that her music career seemed to be on the up again. As she admits herself, it was a mistake to return to touring so soon after her recent breakdown. Hopefully, the dark periods in her bipolar disorder will abate for long enough so we will get the opportunity to see her on stage again. Meanwhile, Jack White was in rude health on Jools Holland’s show earlier this week (see the extended version tonight on BBC Two). His London gig received rave reviews for its mixture of solo and White Stripes material. He’s also allowed himself the ultimate rock star indulgence: he’s touring with two bands, one all male and one all female, alternating them for every second gig. Jennifer Hudson has been undergoing the difficult task of giving evidence at the trial of William Balfour, the man accused of murdering her mother, brother and nephew. It’s been a happier week for Neil Diamond, 71, who has married his 42-year-old manager Katie McNeil.