Arjan Kleton

Arjan Kleton is a busy chap, but he was like that even as a child: busy and sometimes quite a nuisance. Nowadays, he’s mainly busy with work and his career, whilst trying to enjoy life in between. Actually, this bon vivant is absolutely happy, though he is childless against his will.

But just imagine if a baby were to turn up out of the blue right now? Or if a child, about whom he knew nothing, were to appear right in front of him. It could, of course, happen; ‘Kletoni’ had quite a wild time as a barman. But would that child even fit into his life now? Wouldn’t that child simply be completely unwanted? Or was he himself perhaps unwanted?

In ‘Ongewenst’, Arjan Kleton explores – with his characteristic humour and disarming honesty – our almost taken-for-granted desire to have children, the rough edges of fatherhood and our outlook on the future. Is it actually still desirable to bring a child into this world? Do you do it for yourself, for those around you, or for the child? And what if your words, jokes or choices are labelled ‘undesirable’ by others?

Kleton is known for his direct style, which grates, clashes and confronts, but always with a smile and an unexpected twist. In his new show, he makes the personal universal: from the desire to have children to savouring your freedom, from unwanted comments to the question of whether we ourselves are sometimes unwanted. A show that is painfully recognisable, uncomfortably funny and movingly honest.

Unwanted – because sometimes the things you didn’t ask for make for the best stories.

Arjan Kleton

Although he is now primarily a comedian, Arjan Kleton worked as a barman for many years and will never be able to let go of the hospitality industry entirely. Following his successful debut ‘Met de fles grootgebracht’ (Raised on the Bottle), he was described in a review as ‘the Netherlands’ funniest barman’, and this show was immediately broadcast on television by BNNVARA.

Behind the bar, Arjan Kleton has not only gained a great deal of inspiration and heard countless stories over the years, but it was also the place where he unconsciously developed his distinctive comedy style before he ever set foot on stage. The bar was his stage! As a barman, Arjan has ensured that many people have had a brilliant time over the years, and that is exactly what he now wants to offer his audience. No pretentious nonsense, just a fun night out!

On stage, Arjan treats his audience to a mix of relatable stories, sharp audience interaction, personal drama and plenty of jokes. Arjan Kleton has appeared on programmes such as Sophie & Jeroen, ESPN, SBS6, BNNVARA and VPRO. He is also a member of the Knock Out Comedy Crew and performs regularly at his own comedy club.