If you had to describe Declan Kennedy in a single phrase, you’d struggle — and that’s precisely the point. He is an actor, writer, and stand-up comedian  (British Comedy Guide) who has carved out a niche on the UK comedy circuit by defying easy categorisation. His own biography cheekily admits that he has been honing his craft for a good number of years, though it isn’t immediately apparent what that craft might be. Self-deprecating? Absolutely. Accurate? Probably not.

Declan has been a fixture on the comedy circuit around London and beyond, appearing on many comedy rosters including Jester Jester’s, Big Red Comedy, Big Nose Comedy, Laugh a Minute, Jericho Comedy, Hilarity In Shoes, Hello Comedy, and Late Train Comedy. He’s not just a London act either — he has been part of the Edinburgh Festival and taken the mic in Oxford and Manchester too.

His reputation for quick wit is well-earned. A YouTube clip from 2023 describes him as an improv maestro when it comes to dealing with hecklers. If you’ve ever seen a comedian truly own a difficult room, you’ll understand why that skill sets someone apart.

His background is in writing and radio production, and those roots show in the craft of his material. He has also appeared in two separate comedy programmes, including BBC Comedy Feeds. His mouth has been pressed into service on TalkRadio and The Radio Collective proving he’s as comfortable behind a microphone as in front of a live crowd.

One Edinburgh reviewer from Broadway Baby memorably likened him to a “geography teacher on a field trip”  (Opencomedy) — but also called him “mad and good.”High praise, by comedy standards.

Declan Kennedy is the kind of act that rewards those willing to venture beyond the well-known names. He describes himself simply as “a contradiction in a coat” — and if that makes you curious, it should. Seek him out next time he’s on a bill near you.

I saw him recently at XS Malarkey and he is definitely worth a watch, hopefully he will be back again!

He completely destroyed a TV celebrity for me with a very funny and unexpected joke 🦍