Johnny Daley returns to stage in ‘Brazen To Di Bone’

Actor and comedian Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley is preparing for a major return in the latest Pablo Hoilett-produced comedy, Brazen To Di Bone, after a nearly three-year hiatus from the theatrical stage. 

The production marks a special moment for Daley who, in just a few months, will celebrate an impressive 40 years in the entertainment industry. He last appeared in the debut of Pitchy Patchy in 2022. 

“I'm feeling proud of it,” Daley told The Gleaner. “I'm happy to be alive. 
It's a humbling feeling, mostly, to know that I've been given an opportunity to perform and entertain for my people and they've accepted me as one of their own.

“I wasn’t expecting to be in a play this year. 
I was looking forward to continuing my journey as a standup comedian and a standup comedy producer, and unearthing new talent in that area...But when Pablo called me, I thought well, maybe this is the calling or the push I needed to do theatre another time,” Daley explained.  

Daley joins fellow entertainers Donald ‘Slashie’ Anderson, Peter ‘Maestro’ Heslop, and Joan ‘Kenzie’ McKenzie in the fast-paced comedy, which opens June 5 at The Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston. 

Produced and directed by theatre stalwart Pablo Hoilett, the play follows a chaotic web of deception and bogus government benefit claims that quickly spiral out of control when a government investigator arrives unexpectedly.

For Hoilett, bringing Daley back to the stage was an easy decision.

“Jamaican audiences appreciate comedy that feels real and familiar, and that is something Johnny is known for and perfected over the years. Alongside him we have an excellent cast with tremendous chemistry, and everybody brings something special to the stage,” he said. 

“We wanted to create a production that allows people to forget their stress for a few hours and simply enjoy themselves – and Brazen to Di Bone does just that. It is pure laughter from beginning to end,” Hoilett added.

Daley has built a reputation as one of Jamaica’s naturally gifted comedic performers. His return in Brazen To Di Bone is expected to add another major layer of excitement to a production already generating buzz among theatre lovers.

Described as a “riotous romp” and “a brilliantly crafted comedy in a class of its own”, Brazen To Di Bone promises a night of non-stop laughter, colourful characters, and the kind of unfiltered Jamaican comedy audiences have long enjoyed from Hoilett’s productions.