Deirdre O'Kane

Deirdre O'Kane became a stand-up comic in 1996 and easily found her way in to the finals of the BBC New Comedy Awards of that year. She has played at the Edinburgh Festival every year since and last year performed her first solo show, Deirdre O'Kane is Crystallized, as well as the two-hander show 'Tis Pity She's Anonymous. She has played The Melbourne, Adelaide and Kilkenny Cat Laughs Festivals and has toured the Middle East, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Prague, London and Torquay!

Deirdre began her career as an actress and has played every major theatre in Ireland as well as touring in Australia, Canada and the UK. Leading roles include Mary in Juno and the Paycock (National Theatre), Miss Funny in At the Black Pig's Dyke (Druid Theatre Co.) and Daphne in Present Laughter (Gate Theatre).

Television credits include hosting the ten-part TV series of stand-up comedy and sketches called The Lounge (RTE) which included guests such as Rich Hall, Adam Hills, Jeff Green and Dara O'Briain. She also played the role of Fiona in Owen O'Neills sit-com The Fitz (BBC). In 2001 Deirdre (described in the Sunday Times as "absolutely superb") played the leading role of Helen in Paths to Freedom, a six-part spoof-documentary for RTE/BBC Choice.

In 2002 she has starred as the wedding planner in the new RTE comedy drama series, Fergus's Wedding as well as playing the part of the Stage Manager in Conor McPherson's feature film The Actors, starring Dylan Moran and Michael Caine.

"Unique star quality" - The Guardian

"O'Kane dazzles the audience from start to finish" **** - The List

" O'Kane quickly sets up a rhythm of her own and when she exits, applause follows her all the way down the street" - The Scotsman