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- Irish Independent
Limerick magician to take risks and tackle hecklers at Electric Picnic Comedy Tent debut
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Steve Spade is bringing his lightning comedy set to Electric Picnic 2025. Photo: David Doyle Photography
Known for jaw-dropping illusions and a knack for mischief, the Limerick performer is swapping sleight-of-hand for a full-blown set alongside Ireland's comedy elite.
The 2025 lineup is stacked with names like Dara Ó Briain, Foil Arms and Hog, and Emma Doran, and Spade is buzzing to join them.
'I met some of the acts before, with some I go way back. I've performed for Foil Arms and Hog backstage before so it'll be nice to meet old friends and to even see my name billed with Ireland's finest, it's really cool.'
While magic and comedy aren't always paired, Spade insists the overlap is more natural than you'd think.
'People don't really think magic is comedy, but if you adapt what you're doing, it plays really well. Sometimes people don't know how to react to magic. Their first instinct, even if it's amazement, is laughter.'
He's tailoring his set with festival flavour in mind to cater to his audiences. 'I've been working on a routine that's kind of festival-related, stuff like smuggling in drink, which everyone can relate to.
'I've even adapted a piece from my recent Lost Magic tour to make it more Irish and direct. It'll be like a stand-up set.'
When it comes to hecklers, Spade is more than ready, recalling a moment in the early days of his career. 'I did a comedy club years ago where a guy started heckling. I stopped the show and asked him, 'Were you ever hugged as a child?'
'Then I got the whole audience to hug him,' he laughs. 'If that happens at Electric Picnic, it could be a thousand people hugging someone, like Woodstock all over again!'
Despite the nerves of sharing a bill with seasoned comedians, Spade is relishing the challenge.
Earlier this year he performed at the Pendulum Summit alongside Jimmy Carr and boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, the Coonagh man is all about taking risks, even if it means trying to connect with roughly 2,500 CEOs in a convention centre.
'I was nervous, but it went down really well. So when the Comedy Tent gig came up, I thought, why not?'
As well as popping up at the ever-colourful Jerry Fish stage, Spade is gearing up to bring something new to Stradbally. 'I can't wait,' he says. 'I don't really know what to expect from the comedy, but that's what I like and I know it's going to kill.'
