Stand-Up for Integrated Education 2025 Photo Gallery

Comedy Night Review by Tara Moyes

Despite disappointing news earlier in the year surrounding the potential for more Integrated schools in Bangor, dampened feelings were conquered as parents, teachers, current and former students and IEF staff came together for this year’s Stand-Up For Integrated Education comedy event.

Held in the Ulster Hall, one of Belfast’s most iconic music venues, and set up a spacious yet intimate feeling for the night. Sat at the back, I still felt as involved as those at the front. Host Colin Murphy brought us into different parts of the show, blending serious issues with humour successfully, elevating the crowd's laughter,whilst reminding us what we were here to support. With a stacked line up, we saw returning comedian Wendy Wason come all the way over from Scotland providing parents and teachers with comedic relief about children, school and motherhood. Newcomer, Emer Maguire also had the crowd in hysterics with both her set and accompanying music about the education system, moving to South Belfast and also touched on her personal relationship with Integrated Education. After the break we saw surprise guest William Thompson, who has become massive online in the past few years. Through personal stories on current events, the people and places he grew up, he had the audience hooked as soon as he hit the stage. To finish up, Tim McGarry closed the show on a high with hilarious commentary of today’s political landscape and left the crowd with a buzz and a feeling of hope for Integrated Education in the coming year.