Book Des O’Connor

Cabaret Comedian

With an impressive track record in the world of theatre, cabaret, music and broadcast media, Desmond O’Connor is one of the most versatile performers and creatives working in the field of private and corporate entertainment. From character comedy, vaudeville to charity auctioneering via mind-reading and unparalleled skills as an MC, Desmond will bring a unique degree of original talent and infectious energy to any event or occasion.

As an MC or compere, Desmond draws upon a vast breadth of experience which has seen him perform at a range of prestigious venues around the world. A master at generating atmosphere and handling the toughest of crowds, Desmond will ensure that every one of your acts is rapturously received and every one of your guests leaves having had the night of their lives.

As former musical director of the prestigious Cambridge Footlights (where he famously taught David Mitchell to sing), Desmond offers everything from sublimely laid-back jazz piano to bespoke songs and compositions designed to celebrate the successes and characteristics of your loved one or organisation. Composition packages range from witty and impressive improvised performances to full scale, big-band and vocal harmony arrangements, which can be recorded or filmed for posterity and enjoyment in the years to come. Desmond also plays a wide range of instruments, including clarinet, saxophone, accordion, guitar, ukulele, percussion and piano for those events where a little musical ambience is needed to create the perfect mood.

Every event needs someone to break the ice and Desmond’s skills as a host, improvising minstrel and warm up artist are just what you need to put your guests at ease and guarantee a happy and memorable event. Desmond’s arsenal of ice-breaking skills includes his impressive mind reading routines, which have thrilled audiences at Shoreditch House, Soho Theatre and the Double R Club at London Wonderground.

With over ten years’ experience as a charity auctioneer, Desmond is able to strike the perfect balance between nurturing your guests’ generosity, reminding them of the charitable causes they are supporting and, above all, making sure everyone has fun raising money for a good cause. The art of running a successful charity auction can often be underestimated, and Desmond is happy to take time to meet with charity representatives and event organisers prior to the event in order to ensure that the tone and presentation of the auction is perfectly suited to the cause that is being supported.

Desmond’s true heart is as an entertainer and there are few things he enjoys more than sharing his witty and beautifully crafted comedy songs in a range of settings, from intimate after-dinner soirees to the multi-million audiences he has enjoyed via BBC Radio One’s Fun and Filth Cabaret. Desmond has been likened to a modern day Noel Coward and the moment you hear him break into song it will be easy to see why.

Des O’Connor : Testimonials | Videos | Book for your event

TESTIMONIALS

Here’s what Des O’Connor – Cabaret Comedian’s clients said:

“Supremely talented…dark, hilarious and really rather strange”

Time Out

“Finest lyricist of the burlesque scene…Next to the masterful Des, whose songs make me double – nay, triple – over with laughter, everything else pales into mediocrity.”

Bizarre Magazine

“Endlessly enjoyable…the elegant Des’s repertoire is chock-a-block with songs so lyrically witty they could have been penned by the master himself. But for all his talent, Noel Coward only dreamed of singing as mellifluously.”

The Scotsman

“A fast-moving show where Des and his multi-talented fellow artistes, Jim Deveraux and Sarah-Louise Young, entertain with sharp wit, outrageous comic characters and great singing voices, as well as playing a variety of instruments to accompany…Full of sensual imagination, this is Vaudeville for the 21st century…fantastically written edgy songs that cover disturbing subjects with clever comic levity. The audience loved it!”

Edinburghguide.com

“The best in late night sexy and salubrious entertainment expertly led by a loquacious smut maestro of a compere…Constantly engaging – this is old-time camp bawdiness with a touch of satire.”

Three Weeks

“The faded grandeur of the glitzy black and gold Voodoo Rooms perfectly matches this highly polished cabaret act. O’Connor commands events with a silver-tongued and precise delivery. If you want high quality cabaret, glitter and sophistication, make sure you catch this show.”

Musical Theatre Matters

“Des O’Connor is disarmingly sweet and courteous. Gifted with deadly ukulele skills and the ability to twist the rudest rhymes around sweet melodies, O’Connor is a rising star of the new cabaret scene. Somehow, O’Connor can touch the most delicate subjects and find the laughter, without cruelty.”

The Skinny

“The event went very well and the client was happy. Thanks so much for your help!”

House of St Barnabas Events Ltd (via Contraband)

“I thought Des was delightful and his songs very funny. I think it wasn’t easy for him after dinner as people were chatting at the bar over coffee, whereas his act when people were seated was easier as he got everyone’s full attention. However, he handled it very well and obviously has a great sense of humour. In fact some guests of ours liked him so much they have booked tickets for us to go and see Des at his show in early April! So thanks so much for your help. I’d definitely recommend both him and your services to any of my friends!”

Private Client (via Contraband)

“The party went really well!…The comedian was lovely…”

RPMC (via Contraband)

“Des was brilliant and we loved having him there. Thank you so much!”

City Financial Investment Company Limited (via Contraband)