D’unbelievable’s star Jon Kenny talks about his up and coming show “I’m not says I... I’m fine”. Jon will play his one man show December 17 at the Roscommon Arts Centre at 8pm. Kenny starts off by saying ‘The title [of the show] may be misleading, it’s a monologue I wrote years ago”. The show is about where we are now as a nation, the change of contemporary Ireland. Jon will no doubt be the cause of many laughs and he assured me there will be little or no doom and gloom in his show. It will definitely be a night to look forward to with an expert comedian who will combine a celebration of his musical abilities. Jon will be joined on stage by fiddle player Ivor Ottley.
Jon admits that he can be anxious before a show, he just can’t wait to get out there and interact with the audience. “I love the chemistry that can be created by the audience.” The audience play a big part in getting involved and creating an atmosphere. After being all over the world Jon says he loves the Irish audience because of their “great Irish humour” and he believes that most Irish are great storytellers. Billy Connolly is one of Jon’s favourite comedians simply because “he is a great storyteller”. Our Irish sense of humour is slightly different to the rest of the world in so far as we can look at ourselves and have a bit of a laugh over whatever situation we seem to be in. It is a fantastic trait to have as a nation. In Jon’s new show it will evidentially come across at how obviously relaxed yet uptight we are as a country but our love of jokes and laughter set us aside from other countries’ sense of humour.
After performing for more than 30 years, Jon says that live work is by far his favourite medium in which to work; again this is down to the feedback of the audience - he feels “there is a great free fall” in doing live stand - up. When asked about the Irish comedy scene Jon believes it is fantastic at the moment, and “it has been a long time coming”. There are so many great comedians in Ireland and their shows are all about different situations so there is no fear among the Irish comedians of stepping on each other’s toes. “The more the merrier!” says Jon.
When I asked Jon where he gets his inspiration, he simply said “Everyday life, a sketch can develop from anything.” The smallest piece of information can snowball into a full sketch. “It can take on a life of its own and expand from there.”
If you are looking for a night of much needed laughter in these tough times, be sure to head down to the Roscommon Arts Centre to spend the evening with the legendary comedian that is Mr Jon Kenny.
Jon Kenny’s I’m not says I... I’m fine show takes place Thursday December 17 at 8pm in the Roscommon Arts Centre. Tickets are €20. For more information log on to www.roscommonartscentre.ie
