It’s been a while since we’ve caught up with the ever popular Dusty Rich. The Durban comedian has been based in Joburg since July but is back in town for On Fire Comedy’s big festive production, Comedy All Stars… Latoya Newman popped a few questions to the rising star…
What do you consider your major highlights since relocating to the city of gold?
I moved up to the big city in July, the highlight has been more money… Also I opened for a certain Trevor Noah for 21 consecutive performances at the Teatro in Monte Casino - best introduction into a new city as one could get. Performed to around 60 000 people over that run, joined him in Cape Town too. The comedy and entertainment scene is frenetic and you’re out at gigs three or four times a week. It’s all a highlight.
When you were first invited to perform at Parkers what was the first thought that came to mind?
What pants should I wear… Parkers is the only dedicated comedy club on the continent. It’s seen some incredible comedy names national and international. To perform in the headline slots as I do is to be confirmed as a major player in the comedy industry so it’s an honour. It’s an amazing club with mad cheap tequila. It's home.
Comedy All Stars will see you back on stage with a few comedians you'd often share the stage with when you were based in Durban. How does if feel to be getting on stage with these guys again?
It’s going to be incredible. Durban produces the most insanely talented people. It’s a pity we leave, but the calibre of talent is exceptional. These comedy kids are my family. We’ve toured, talked, got drunk and caused all sorts of disturbances together. In the revolution that is comedy, standing out of the norm and refusing life’s mundane prerequisites, these guys are my teachers, friends and fellow soldiers. The thing I’m looking forward to the most is performing to Durban again, getting insane on stage, expanding some minds and spreading the word of Dusty Rich and I get to do it with some other debaucherous souls like me.
Aside from your big stand-up highlights, 2013 also saw you branch into acting with Curry and Vice. Was acting in a movie what you expected and will you be venturing into it again?
Yes and No. We get acting from behind the scenes from Hollywood - it’s not the same but it is incredible. I make money off of my mental illness so to act like different people isn’t far from home and I enjoy it thoroughly. I am definitely pursuing acting as different people as a career avenue. Some exciting hush hush stuff in the pipeline.
Christmas is around the corner - what's the weirdest Christmas gift you've ever received, and what's at the top of your Christmas wish list for this year?
I once received a potato peeler and a potato, wrapped to perfection. Christmas is a made up holiday with nonsense ideas about fanfare, the reason for Christmas is to give not receive. But I’ve been a good boy this year so I hope Father Christmas brings me some morals.
Any other up coming gigs that you could tell us about at this stage?
Durban Comedy All Stars on 20th and 21 December at Howard College is the only gig you Durbanite’s should be bothered about... Get to the show, show your support before the other acts move up to the big city. Kisses on all of your faces, especially the ladies and some lady looking guys. Falcon love.
*Durban Comedy All Stars also features Neville Pillay, Jem Atkins, Neil Green and Masood Boomgaard. Tickets are R120 from Computicket and Shoprite. Show starts 8pm each night.