If you yearn to laugh out loud with another hundred souls, then high tail it to the Ensemble Theatre to witness their brilliantly funny adaptation of the much-loved Australian film, Kenny. Yes, the Kenny of dunny fame – and dare I say poo is a topic heavily discussed during this one-person play. It is true scatological humour or more widely referred to as toilet jokes are usually a hit with the under-fives. Still, with imaginative writing, top class acting and a fondness for loveable Aussie blokes, us older crowd adapted accordingly. That is to say; we roared with laughter – both at the thought of ourselves cracking up at seemingly juvenile puns but also because we were in on the jokes and they were indeed hilarious.
Ben Wood plays Kenny to a tee. He expertly morphs into the loveable guy we all fell in love with on the big screen. Ben, as Kenny draws the audience into his world, which proves to be a whole lot of fun.
When your work can’t get any lower, your expectations can only soar. A knight in shining overalls, Kenny is proud of his work, despite his Dad’s harsh judgements and the ignorant members of the public who take him for granted. In this classic riff on decency, Kenny’s off-beat humour and wide-eyed wonder at life’s possibilities are an inspirational reminder that all that glitters is not necessarily gold.
Ensemble Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mark Kilmurry, who is also directing Kenny said, “we are delighted this play is an Ensemble Theatre commission and part of the Sydney Festival. I was thrilled when Clayton Jacobson gave his permission to adapt Kenny for the stage as Kenny is close to many people’s hearts. Kenny is the fearless Aussie plumber who looks for the best in every situation. I am thrilled to be working with Ben Wood who plays the irreverent and self-deprecating Kenny and delighted Stevie Rodgers said yes to adapting the script for the stage. It is very exciting to open our theatre doors with such an iconic and well-loved character.”
“When Mark came to me with the idea of adapting Kenny, my mind immediately shot back to my experience seeing the film over ten years ago, and the enormous heart of the character and story. In our current age, so beholden to aspirational values, Kenny is an antidote to that win at all costs mentality, claiming decency and dignity as true measures of what it means to live a good life. Kind of like a Ted talk, come and hear Kenny talk about the types of work too many of us turn up our noses at. It’ll be warm, funny, and an education in sanitation,” said Steve Rodgers.
The Ensemble Theatre’s Kenny, so cleverly adapted for the stage, is the feel-good outing you’ve been waiting for. Book a ticket; you will not regret it.
Writers: Clayton Jacobson and Shane Jacobson
Adapted for the stage by Steve Rodgers
Director: Mark Kilmurry
Cast: Ben Wood
Photo credit: Prudence Upton
15 January – 7 February 2021
Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Tickets:
Seniors $71, Pensioner $67
In Season tickets $79, Seniors $76, Pensioner $72
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