Ardal O’Hanlon

Ardal O’Hanlon shot to fame after playing the hilariously dim-witted Father Dougal Maguire in the classic sitcom Father Ted. His most successful role to date has been that of Thermoman – alias mild-mannered shopkeeper, George Sunday – in My Hero.

He says stand-up comedy is his first love, and is a familiar face on the circuit.

“Nothing beats the buzz of performing in front of a live audience and knowing that this could be the night that it all goes wrong and you get found out ­ it’s amazingly invigorating….There is really nothing better than performing live. I am a lucky, lucky man.”

Turning 40 this year and terrified, he laments his lost youth and tries valiantly not to become a ranting curmudgeon. With wide-eyed wonder, surreal flights of fancy, and acute observations on the follies of man and the modern world, this is Ardal’s most personal show yet.