Talk Tent 2014 was a most enjoyable production. The concert which premiered on Friday night at Queen's Hall, St Ann's, was staged by Paul Keens-Douglas' Keensdee Productions and was hosted by "singing emcee" David Bereaux before a large and appreciative audience. Bereaux introduced the acts in extempore fashion.
The evening's programme was opened by veteran Pierrot Grenade Felix Edinborough who put patrons in the mood for some good oral entertainment with his clever spelling and rhymes.
The night's first guest artiste, Avion Crooks, took things up a notch as she told of her woes with the telephone company and her long career as a primary school teacher. She was especially funny when she related her experience with troublesome six-year-old K-Te-Te (pronounced Kay Chay Chay).
Roy and Gloria were at the top of their game as they highlighted some personality issues experienced by spouses who lived together for many years.
Elegantly attired in her flaming red dress, Farida Chapman did the monologue I'm Every Woman, dedicated to International Woman's Day, observed internationally on Saturday. Her's was one of the best composed odes I've heard championing woman, one which cries out for a much larger and international audience.
Miguel Browne expounded on the challenges of living in a world of technology. He had his audience in stitches as he punctuated his monologue with the hook line of the late Penguin's classic hit calypso What Sweet in Goat Mout'... He ended by giving his insight of how the world will be in the future, existing entirely on technology.
Reigning Talkalypso Monarch Short Pants opened his set by reciting Nutten Ent Good, performed by his daughter Heather at this year'sCarnival.
Short Pants exited the stage to a resounding ovation as he recited just a verse and chorus of Mr Killa's smash hit Rolly Polly.
After intermission, Bereaux showed the calypso-singing side of his ability as he rendered Lord Beginner's Louise and Sparrow's Dan is the Man.
Bereaux was followed by the second guest artiste Nicole de Coteau, singing covers by John Legend and Alicia Keys.
Star of the show Keens-Douglas rounded of the programme as he keep patrons in stitches with his monologues on retirement and men playing golf after retirement. Keens-Douglas also did an oldie, a favourite of everyone, Bogoville. To put its mildly, Keens-Douglas was outrageously hilarious, extolling the talents of his band singer Silky Sam the Satin Saint from Soulville, also known as Silky.
No amount of kudos are enough for Keens-Douglas and his consistent contribution to the oral traditions of T&T. The artistic director of Creola Theatre back in the '70s, he has produced Talk Tent for more than 30 years
Starting at 8.05 pm, the show ended at 11.15 pm.