Kent named Cork Person of the Month

ONE of Cork’s most famous and beloved stand-up comedians, Chris Kent, has been named Cork Person of the Month for September.

Mr Kent’s career has taken off over recent years in Ireland and Britain, with most of his shows selling out within hours of tickets going on sale to the general public.

Speaking about Mr Kent, celebrated comedic actor and talk show host Tommy Tiernan said: “He really makes me laugh, and I think his stuff is so smart.

“He is one of the best comics that I would have seen.

“He’s fantastic.”

Cork Person of Month awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan, added: “Chris Kent is known as an incredible storyteller with a lovely laid-back style and Cork accent.

“His Cork city family anecdotal stories are absolutely hilarious, and the punchlines come at you out of the blue.”

Hailing from the northside of Cork city, Mr Kent began his comedy career back in 2010, performing in small venues and comedy festivals around Ireland, including his debut at one of Ireland’s biggest comedy festivals in Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens.

Fans immediately clicked with his personal storytelling, so much so that he was awarded the Comedy Smack Down Award at the Galway Comedy Festival that same year.

His success gave him the confidence to give up the day job as an electrician and pursue his passion full-time.

He lived in England for a number of years and built big audiences for his comedy style around Britain — before moving back to live in Cork with his wife and family.

He has toured with some of the biggest names in comedy — former Mock The Week star Frankie Boyle being the next one — and has headlined numerous shows, all of which he writes himself.

He is now looking forward to playing The Everyman in Cork and a few other local venues this October, with all those shows sold out a long time ago.

He has also appeared on TV, notably on Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central as well as the documentary The Stand Ups, which gave viewers a glimpse of the everyday life of a comedian.

Chris now has plans to take up show offers in America.

But Irish fans can see him around the country, with tickets still available for some of his October gigs.

Chris Kent’s name now goes forward for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at a Gala Awards Lunch at the Metropole Hotel, Cork, on January 26 next year.