Pat and Faye Shortt on father-daughter show and ‘slagging each other off’

A Father-Daughter Comedy Duo Carves Out Their Own Laughter

Faye Shortt always felt there was something “different” about her father. It wasn’t a single “aha” moment, more of a slow realization that began in primary school. “People would tell me they saw him on the tele,” the 26-year-old actor and comedian recalls. “Social media wasn’t a thing back then, so I’d only see him on TV occasionally and didn’t think much of it.” Her perception shifted on a family holiday to Portugal when she was around 15. “You were watching ‘Father Ted’ and there was a scream from the bedroom: ‘Dad,you’re in this!'” pat remembers,chuckling. “It was an episode from maybe ten years before.” A lighthearted conversation followed, revealing the full extent of Faye’s father’s comedic empire.

“I never told the kids about it,” Pat admits. “I’d move on to the next job and forget about it.”

Though Faye acknowledged her family’s talent, she initially kept her distance from the spotlight. “I didn’t have acting as a first choice,” she explains. “I was leaning more towards a Business degree, but it was my Mum who said I could pursue acting as a career. I was only 18 and wasn’t so sure, as Dad was so good at it. That was his thing. I thought I’d be putting myself under pressure.” Despite her hesitation, she took the leap, attending drama classes and eventually landing a spot at the Gaiety School of acting.

“Never encouraged it,” Pat says about Faye’s acting ambitions. “The main reason being that I wasn’t around that much because I was always off touring.”

This unique dynamic, forged from a love of laughter and a shared passion for performance, has led to the most heartwarming journey. Acting as a family, they’ve brought joy to audiences across Ireland and beyond. And it all started with a scream from a bedroom in Portugal, a recognition of talent, and a realization that the laughter could be shared.

Pat Shortt and Daughter Faye Bring Laughs to Dublin with Presbiopia Play

Irish comedian Pat shortt, celebrated for his sharp wit and dynamic comedy, has a new partner in crime: his daughter, Faye. The duo has been lighting up stages across Ireland with their hilarious act, “Knuckle Down,” drawing audiences in with their unique brand of humor.Now, they’re set to take Dublin by storm with a special one-off performance at The Sugar Club on February 25th, partnering with Specsavers for a night dedicated to laughter and raising awareness about presbyopia.

The performance, aptly named “Presbiopia Play,” stems from the shared experiences of navigating life with aging eyesight. As Pat Shortt jokes, “A lot of what we do in the show involves slagging each other off,” with Faye adding, “He’s a divil for the flashlight in the restaurants,” referring to her father’s penchant for using a flashlight in dimly lit environments.

This comedic exploration of the everyday struggles of presbyopia is a testament to the creative bond between father and daughter. The performance promises to be a heartwarming and humorous look at the realities of aging eyes and the enduring power of family connections.

This collaboration isn’t Pat Shortt’s first foray into comedic partnerships. Many will remember his legendary run alongside Jon Kelly as part of the iconic duo, D’Unbelivables. The loss of Jon Kelly in november 2022 left a void in the Irish comedy scene. Pat Shortt remembers his friend fondly: “It was a huge shock,” he recalls. “I was only talking to him a week beforehand. He was doing very well. He was back working. He was still dealing with health issues,but working. Contrary to what everyone thinks,it wasn’t the cancer that got him,it was the heart. It’s hard to believe. I miss him a huge lot.” He continues, “He was a legend, the funniest guy I ever met. He was a friend of the family. Faye grew up in his house, sure.We would have been over there all the time. We lived in each other’s ears for 16 years.”

The Dynamic Duo: keeping Laughter Alive

There’s a unique spark that ignites when a father-daughter duo steps onto the stage, and Pat & Faye Shortt are a testament to that undeniable magic.Their comedic synergy is captivating, weaving together a tapestry of humor that resonates with audiences across Ireland and beyond.

When asked about the dynamics of their act, Pat delivers a chuckle-worthy insight: “People had these notions about what was going on. And then people would be making comparisons about who was funnier and stuff like that. Jon was more manic and I was the straight guy in the act. You can’t both be manic. You’re offering a different dynamic. You have to have that balance. All good double acts have it.”

This balance is the cornerstone of their success. Their current Irish tour, extending into April, showcases this perfectly. Audiences get a taste of their infectious humor before embarking on a larger global journey to Scotland,Australia,and New Zealand.

The laughter, however, doesn’t stop at the stage’s edge. Pat and Faye are continuously nurturing their creative passions.”We’re already writing for a new show,”Pat reveals. “faye has her own thing going on TikTok and social media, which is going great. She’s also working on radio and podcasting too. I have some theater dates coming up later in the year. So we’re keeping busy. It’s nice to have the break as you come back to it with more energy and enthusiasm.”

This unwavering dedication to their craft, coupled with their natural talent, promises a continuous stream of laughter and entertainment for years to come.

• Catch Pat & Faye Shortt at The Sugar Club on Tuesday, 25th February. Tickets are €10, with all proceeds benefiting Focus Ireland. Don’t miss out! get yours now at www.thesugarclub.com – spaces are limited (18+ only).

How Does Pat Shortt’s Comedic Style with His Daughter Faye Differ from His Legendary Partnership with Jon Kelly?

Pat & Faye shortt: A Comedy Legacy Continues

A Comedic Legacy: Faye and Pat Bring Laughter and light

Faye’s infectious onstage energy is undeniable.You can practically feel the charisma radiating from her. But did this natural spark always burn so radiant? “It was definitely a journey,” Faye admits with a playful grin. “I loved performing as a child, but there were moments of uncertainty. then, during those lockdown sketches with Dad, something clicked. Growing up watching him perform, I soaked it all in.Comedy,it truly seems,is in my blood.”

pat, whose comedic partnership with Jon Kelly was legendary, reflects on the unique dynamic he shares with Faye. “Its different,of course,” he says. “Jon and I were like anarchic forces, always pushing boundaries. But with Faye, there’s a sweetness, a gentle humor that shines through. it’s about shared experiences, playfully ribbing each other while still celebrating our strong bond. That’s what makes it special.”

The loss of Jon Kelly in 2022 cast a long shadow. pat’s voice softens as he speaks of the profound impact. “Jon was more than a comedy partner; he was family. We shared so much. It’s still hard, the silence, the empty space. But his memory fuels me.We were a team, and I carry that spirit with me.”

Faye adds her own poignant reflection: “Jon always encouraged me to find my own voice, even as a child. He’d laugh until his sides ached, telling me, ‘You’ve got something special, Faye.’ His belief in me still pushes me forward.”

Faye and Pat’s comedic talents are now shining a light on a very real and often overlooked issue: presbyopia. Their upcoming performance for Specsavers uses humor to raise awareness about age-related vision changes.

“It’s all about those relatable moments,” Pat explains. “Faye constantly needs her phone flashlight to help her read at the dinner table, and I struggle to decipher menus in dimly lit restaurants. everyone can connect to that! We want to use humor to make people feel less ashamed about needing help with their vision.”

How does Pat Shortt leverage his comedic experience to navigate the unique challenges of performing with his daughter Faye compared to his long-standing partnership with Jon Kelly?

A laugh Riot for a Cause: An Interview with Pat and Faye Shortt

Irish comedy icons Pat and Faye Shortt are bringing laughs to Dublin with their new show Presbiopia Play – a hilarious exploration of the everyday struggles that come with aging eyes. Taking place at The Sugar Club on February 25th,the show will also raise awareness about presbyopia and support Specsavers’ vital work.

We had a chance to sit down with the dynamic duo and discuss their comedic journey, their approach to tackling age-related vision changes with humor, and the unique bond they share on stage and off.

How Does Pat Shortt’s Comedic Style with His Daughter Faye Differ from His Legendary Partnership with Jon Kelly?

Pat: It’s different, of course. Jon and I were like anarchic forces, always pushing boundaries. But with Faye, there’s a sweetness, a gentle humor that shines through.It’s about shared experiences, playfully ribbing each other while still celebrating our strong bond. That’s what makes it special.

Faye, you clearly have a natural stage presence.Did you always feel this confident performing?

Faye: It was definitely a journey. I loved performing as a child, but there were moments of uncertainty. Then, during those lockdown sketches with Dad, something clicked. Growing up watching him perform, I soaked it all in. Comedy, it truly seems, is in my blood.

Pat, how have you adapted your comedic style to collaborate with Faye?

Pat: It’s been a wonderful learning experience. Faye brings a fresh perspective and energy to the stage. We bounce ideas off each other, and it’s constantly evolving. It’s a true partnership.

You’re raising awareness about presbyopia through humor. What inspired this approach?

Pat: It’s all about those relatable moments.Faye constantly needs her phone flashlight to help her read at the dinner table, and I struggle to decipher menus in dimly lit restaurants. Everyone can connect to that! We want to use humor to make people feel less ashamed about needing help with their vision.

Faye, how do you feel about breaking down stigmas surrounding age-related vision changes?

Faye: It’s important to talk openly about these issues. we shouldn’t be embarrassed about aging, and seeking solutions like glasses or contact lenses is something to celebrate, not hide.

• Catch Pat & Faye Shortt at The Sugar Club on Tuesday, 25th February. Tickets are €10, with all proceeds going to Focus Ireland. Don’t miss this hilarious night out for a great cause!

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