Five for your radar: Music, books, film — top tips for the week ahead
PJ Gallagher and Morcheeba - among the highlights of the week
This Irish comedy only got a limited release in the cinemas but those who missed out can rejoice because Apocalypse Clown has been picked up by Netflix ahead of Halloween. The chaotic comedy has been well-received and boasts an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film sees a trio of failed clowns setting off on a road trip after a solar event plunges the world into anarchy. And sure there's nothing like a bit of comedy to take the edge off the end of the world. Embrace the silliness and you'll have a ball.
One of the highlights of the year, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is back with a bang. There are plenty of big-name acts to enjoy including Corinne Bailey Rae, Morcheeba, Matthew Halsall, and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. Aside from these, there are hundreds of performances and events to be enjoyed. Every year, the city comes alive with music and the atmosphere is electric, you can't turn a corner without stumbling upon another act. The cream of the jazz crop comes together each year because there's just nothing quite like the Cork Jazz Festival.
In 2017, the New Yorker published a short story that launched a thousand think pieces. Cat Person by Kristen Roupenian quickly went viral and people - mostly Millennials - spent hours discussing, dissecting, and debating the tale. Now the story has made it to the silver starring Emilia Jones and Nicholas Braun. Will the film manage to grab audiences in the same way the original story did? Probably not but it will no doubt start some interesting conversations around modern dating culture.
PJ Gallagher has been a staple in the Irish comedy scene for a long time now but lately, we have learned more about the man behind the characters. Gallagher has been very open and candid about his mental health struggles. In his book, he throws open the doors and invites us into his life. From his unconventional childhood to taking his first steps into comedy and his time in a psychiatric hospital to becoming a father in his late 40s. He tells his story with humour and insight making it feel as though you are chatting with an old friend.
When it comes to electronic music, it's hard to beat The Chemical Brothers. With nine albums to their name, each packed with some all-time greatest hits, they have never just phoned it in. They continue to push boundaries and challenge themselves and have successfully avoided rehashing the same sound that launched them to stardom. Having released their first new music in two years, you can expect a mix of old and new when they take to the stage in the 3Arena.
