Freelance Broadcaster - Podcast Production - Voice Talent & Voiceovers

There is something special in store for the Folk and Variety Club audience in Bunratty on Saturday night with a night of comedy and music. As the Celtic Tiger seems to be taking a prolonged ‘cat – nap’ an evening with the inimitable Jon Kenny is just what the doctor ordered. Jon’s show heralds a welcome return to the type of work that made his reputation. Drawing on his impressive background in stand-up, comedic characterisation and music, the audience will be treated to an exhilarating show from the talented Kenny.

The series of concerts is a joint venture between Shannon Heritage and Ennis based Production 63. Commenting on the series to date Shannon Heritage Chief Executive John Ruddle said “we’ve been amazed by what we’ve learned in the past few weeks. The main thing is that we have a wonderful entertainment venue in the Corn Barn right here in the Folk Park. While we’ve being presenting our Traditional Nights here for a number of years it’s always been with our own performers. Now that we’ve invited world class artists to play here we’re amazed at how much they love this intimate venue. Mike Hanrahan, Tommy Hayes, Kieran Hanrahan, Sean Keane and Andy Irvine have all been hugely positive in their praise of the venue and have encouraged the audiences to continue to support the Club and spread the word. Other artists who have come to have a look because of what they’ve heard are very anxious to be included in the future. That’s a phenomenal vote of confidence and gives us great enthusiasm and encouragement to commit to further events in the months ahead with some very exciting performances.”

Jon Kenny’s arrival at the Folk and Variety Club is a welcome addition to the line up and is sure to attract some people who ordinarily may not have associated the Folk Park with a good night of comedy and music with one of the country’s premier performers. Formerly one half of the highly successful D’Unbelievables, Jon started his career as a front man for a glam rock band in the 1970s. From there his career path travelled through the varied arenas of acting – both stage and film, comedic and tragic; mime; dance; comedic characterisation and stand up. He has been amazingly successful in all these fields, winning numerous awards along the way. These include a meteor award for the biggest selling DVD and a nomination for the prestigious Irish Times Best Actor Award. His present show demonstrates his varied talents. With an astute eye for the ridiculous in modern life, Jon focuses on Ireland’s new characters, lambasting the emerging eccentricities of the 21st century. Considering how much bad news is about at present Jon’s unorthodox view of daily life is certain to lift the hearts of those in the audience.

The Donegal news once wrote of Jon Kenny “If you hung him out to dry what you’d find if you looked in the puddle below would be a reflection of rural Ireland over the past few decades, warts and all.”

Jon uses the changing face of contemporary Ireland as the scaffold on which to build his hilarious observations and characters. With an astute eye for the ridiculous in modern life, Jon focuses on Ireland’s new characters, lambasting the emerging Irish eccentricities in this new era. Running through such contrasting experiences as supporting Munster rugby to visiting a health spa, Kenny takes no prisoners and delights in emphasizing the hilarity in everyday life. His return to the versatile character-work that made him a beloved household name is proving to be a much appreciated move by his loyal fans.

Production 63 Director, Ger Sweeney commented “Jon’s performance is always one that throws up a few surprises and Saturday night will be no exception. I’m very interested to see how the intimate setting of the Corn Barn will enhance Jon’s show. This show is a departure from the completely music driven concerts to date and as the title suggests we aim to add plenty of variety to the concerts in the future. We’re working hard on securing a very exciting programme of events for the future and look forward to presenting them over the months ahead. Shannon Heritage and Production 63 are committed to offering quality, affordable entertainment through the Folk and Variety Club and we look forward to welcoming those who have become regulars along with those who have yet to give us a try-out for these events”.

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