FRESH from his recent success with Comedy Central Africa, Durban’s Dusty Rich (pictured) returns to the local stage for something of a mini comedy tour.
He’ll be performing alongside a host of popular local acts at a series of comedy club venues in and around town this week.
Promoter Jem Atkins, of On Fire Comedy, explained the bonus of experiencing Dusty live in a comedy club setting.
“This is a club comedy tour, so it’s very different to the arena-type of show… it’s more intimate, less formal and way more enjoyable for him actually. Dusty thrives in the smaller club venues where he can interact with the crowd. It’s what he does better than anyone I know.
“And, of course, the tickets are far cheaper. So these little tours are a great way for him to broaden his growing fan base.”
Atkins and Rich have also been friends and stand-up colleagues ever since their first gig at The Winston Pub five years ago.
“His growth as a comedian has been nothing short of phenomenal, especially since he moved to Joburg almost two years ago. He’s toured all over the country with Trevor Noah, he’s done extensive corporate and TV work, is an established headline act and his half-hour Comedy Central special, Live @ Parkers!, debuted just last week on DsTV Channel 122. I attribute this all to the fact that he’s not only supremely talented, but he has the ambition and drive to match it. So really, the sky’s the limit with this guy.”
“The man has great gags,” he adds, regarding Rich’s strengths as a comic. “There’s no doubt that his material is good. But I think what separates him from almost everyone else I’ve seen is his uncanny ability to work the crowd.
“I’ve seen him whip a crowd into a laughing frenzy for 20 minutes without even telling a single joke! All he did was ‘talk’ to people and work his way around the room. It’s his art and it’s amazing to watch. He’s also so incredibly comfortable in his skin and on stage that he seems to do all this without even trying – he literally oozes funny.”
You can catch Rich in action at:
• Mozambik, Hillcrest, tonight at 8.30pm with Atkins. Tickets are R70. Info/bookings: 031 765 6556 or e-mail [email protected]
• Amsterdam Comedy Club, Amsterdam Bar in Glenwood, tomorrow at 8.30pm. Masood Boomgaard hosts with Joburg’s Ryan Whittal supporting. Tickets are R40. Info/bookings: 031 811 5449 or e-mail [email protected]
• New York Comedy Club, New York Bar in Morningside on Thursday at 8.30pm. Hosted by Neville Pillay, Ryan Whittal and Siyabonga “Ntshebe” Mzimela support. Tickets are R50. Info/bookings: 031 312 9605
• Corner Café, Glenwood, on Friday at 6.30pm for 7pm (show starts at 8pm), with Atkins. Tickets are R150, and include Judd’s delicious, freshly-made “bottomless” pizza. Info/bookings: call 031 201 0219 or e-mail [email protected]
WIN! WIN! WIN!
The Tonight has five double tickets up for grabs for Dusty’s performances at Corner Comedy Club (corner Café) and at New York Comedy Club (New York Bar) – that’s five double tickets per venue. To stand a chance of winning, SMS either DNCorner or DNNewYork, and your name, to 33258 before 9am tomorrow. SMSes cost R1.50 each. Winners will be contacted by phone.