Keith Donnelly is one of folk’s most uniquely entertaining performers—part stand‑up comic, part witty songwriter, part storyteller extraordinaire. With decades on festival stages, he combines superb guitar-playing and original songs with surreal humour, audience interaction, and unexpected twists that keep crowds of all ages delighted and engaged.
Critics and festivals regularly describe him as “the funniest thing to happen to folk music since the banjo,” a “surreal snigger‑songwriter,” and “a world‑class singer‑songwriter” and MC. He’s known for delighting audiences with gaze‑holding tall tales, hilarious anecdotes (some true, many not, he cheekily says), and whimsical songs that range from cheeky to poignant.
Alongside his solo gigging, Keith is a familiar face at UK festivals—recent highlights include appearing at Birmingham Conservatoire’s Global Traditions concert series in February 2025, where his blend of storytelling, music, and comedy charmed a packed jazz‑club audience. He also featured in the family programme at Chippenham Folk Festival in May 2025, presenting his mischievous “Family Show” to audiences aged 5 to 122, complete with songs, stories and his trademark quirky humour.
Whether performing for adults, children, or families, Keith Donnelly’s shows are famously unpredictable—full of laughter, sing‑alongs, sometimes surprising poignant moments, and always a sense of wonder. You never know if he’ll be riffing on life’s surreal absurdities or coaxing a cheese sandwich to launch itself out of someone’s nose. Every show is unique—and unforgettable.
