Taylor off to Durbs with funny money spectacle

It used to be that choosing a career as a stand-up comedian was akin to choosing a life that doesn’t involve a steady, gainful employ- ment. Medical aid? Forget it.

But in the past decade, things have taken a turn for the better. From David Kau to John Vlismas, up-and-coming comics have many people to look up to as comedians who are making it.

It’s ironic then that well-known comedian Stuart Taylor would put together a show called Money’s Too Tight to Mention.

For the past year, the funnyman, who you might recognise from SABC3’s travel programme Going Nowhere Slowly, has taken his one-man comedy show on the road. On August 24 and 25 it will be live and direct at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in Durban.

“It will be similar to the show I have been performing around the country,” says Taylor, “but not totally because we’ve been on tour and obviously then a few things have changed.”

I ask him whether one of the things that has changed are the zeros in his bank account, since he’s had quite a success with this show, with a bank that’s popular for asking how they can help people even coming on board in some instances.

But he laughs at the question and offers: “Who says I have been paid yet?”

Money’s Too Tight to Mention will have a new opening act this month with one of Durban’s own returning home.

Raised in Durban, but now based in Joburg, Richelieu Beaunoir is a young and fresh comedian to keep your eye on.

Having only been in Jozi for a few years, one of the finest feats Beaunoir can be proud of is being nominated in the Breakthrough Act of the Year category in the inaugural Comic’s Choice Awards that took place last year.

“I was very honoured about that,” Beaunoir says, “especially because I had just got to Jozi and was nominated. I mean, I was up against the likes of Bevan Cullinan, who is popular as the Tooth Fairy, and there was just strong competition, so I was very happy about the recognition.”

He is also pretty happy about performing in his home town.

“I’m very excited to play at the Suncoast Casino,” he tells me.

“I’ve never had the chance to perform there even though I am from Durban. I think I will be in front of lots of people who haven’t seen me before.”

The comedian, who moved from Durban to pursue a career in comedy in Joburg, says: “Ja, there’s more money in Joburg and when you are in Durban, you get bored. You hardly see change in the industry there. People get on their legs quicker in Joburg and that’s why they’re here.”

• Stuart Taylor and his one-man show will be at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in Durban on August 24 and 25. 8pm. R100 at Computicket.