Guests flock to Red to see Jimmy Keys

Bermuda’s former “resident manic entertainer” Jimmy Keys is making his mark on the island once again as he settles into his month-long gig at Red Steakhouse.

For his first two nights back on the local stage, the international entertainer performed to sell-out crowds helping to boost the  Front Street bar’s business.   

The popular comedian, musician and impersonator from Kent, England will be entertaining guests at the venue five nights a week throughout the month of May.

His wacky set sees him perform sing-a-longs, play music and act out comedy impressions of the likes of Rod Stewart, Elton John, Mick Jagger, Lady Gaga and even a little Royalty with Prince Charles. 

Speaking to the Bermuda Sun, Keys said: “I’m performing some of the stuff I am doing in the States but I’m doing things I did years ago and people seem to be digging it. 

“I’m still doing the sing-a-long things and more ‘pubby’ stuff, and the impersonations — it’s a mixture of the two. I’ll be doing all the usual characters plus I’m doing Bob Dylan now, the Bee Gees and a new country music routine. 

There are some different things for those who have seen me perform before. 

“There’s a stage in Red now and they are also installing a new sound system — they are putting a bit of money into that venue.

“The place was full on my first night — business hired the whole venue out.

“And my second night was open to the public (Tuesday) and the restaurant sold out. 

“People are making reservations and then some move into the bar area and some stay where they are and there is the upper area — I call it the penthouse — and they can see from up there, too. 

“I can move around the place a bit too.”

Keys used to live in Bermuda and performed regularly here for 13 years between the mid-eighties to the year 2000. 

After originally being booked for a regular set at the old Ram’s Head Pub on Front Street in 1983, he went on to perform around the island —  firstly at the Henry VIII Pub and later, as the main headliner, at the then Southampton Princess Hotel. 

He then moved to the States and has performed at numerous high-profile country clubs along the east coast as well as at major corporate events. He has opened for major headliners including Willie Nelson and Tom Jones and has lived and worked in over a dozen countries. 

 “I never play in bars anymore so it’s fun — it’s like going back to the Henry the VIII days.” 

Jimmy Keys performs his free entry gigs at Red Steakhouse and Bar every night from 8:30pm except Wednesdays and Fridays.