Songs in the Key of Sea

JON BARKER — Songs in the Key of Sea

A World-Class Musical Memoir. Countless Stories. One Unmissable Show.

From the world’s most iconic stages to the legendary theatres of Cunard’s ocean liners, Jon Barker is the piano–entertainer who has spent a lifetime turning music, wit and storytelling into unforgettable nights of entertainment.

THE ARTIST

A classically trained pianist (Leeds College of Music / Arts Educational Drama School), Jon fuses classical elegance, jazz sparkle and theatrical flair into a sound that is unmistakably his own.

THE CAREER

Jon’s early years saw him performing with British entertainment icons — Frankie Vaughan, Jim Bowen, Barry Cryer, Bradley Walsh — before becoming a regular on BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio 4’s Week Ending, where his topical musical comedy gained national acclaim.

Television credits include appearances alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins and Jason Connery, plus numerous BBC broadcasts. His composing work extends to major global brands.

THE CRUISE LINE LEGACY

Jon first joined Cunard in 1988 as resident pianist aboard the QE2, where stars like Neil Sedaka, Michael Crawford and Victor Borge gathered around his piano.

Decades later, he is one of Carnival UK’s most prolific musical creatives — devising, writing and orchestrating full-scale productions across Cunard & P&O Cruises (11 ships, 33,000 guests).
'Symphony' on board  QM2, Cunard's flagship, features a 64-piece orchestra recorded at Abbey Road Studios.

BEYOND THE OCEAN WAVES

Jon’s creative work spans:
• Original musicals (The Amazing Elephant Man, The Road to Celebrity)
• Major corporate events at venues including The Natural History Museum
• Music performed at The Royal Festival Hall and ** The Royal Albert Hall**
• Global success with his song “Thank You For Being My Dad” (9M+ YouTube views)
• Ongoing collaborations with West End performers from Cunard’s Come From Away

THE SHOW: Songs in the Key of Sea

A warm, witty and wonderfully crafted musical memoir — celebrating remarkable people, unforgettable journeys and four decades of life on stage and at sea.

Elegant. Nostalgic. Funny. Moving.
A show with heart, humour and the polish of a true professional.

BOOK THIS SHOW

Perfect for:
• Lectures
• After-dinner entertainment
• Theatres
• Corporate events
• Any audience that loves great music and great stories

Jon Barker’s Songs in the Key of Sea —
The show that proves experience, charm and world-class musicianship never go out of style.