AFTER successful runs of his previous shows, Stuart Taylor brings his newest production, BeSpoke, to the stage.
In an interview with Tonight, he said the show will see him going back to his comedy club roots.
“If I perform in a comedy club, the material has a much more edgy feel. My previous shows like Learner Husband or Money’s Too Tight To Mention had a stronger storyline. They were more like plays than stand-up shows. This show has a lot more room for me to ‘play’ with the audience, like I would if I were playing a comedy club. Because of this, no two shows are 100 percent identical. Hence the title BeSpoke. Every show is custom-made to that audience, it’s ‘Taylor-Made!”
While the show is described as one that will be no-holds barred and unapologetic, with a PG 16 rating, it shouldn’t scare you off.
“But if you’re younger than 16 you might learn a few new words”, he joked.
“By no-holds barred, I just mean it’s uncensored. We are going to make you feel a bit like you’re in an underground comedy club where free speech is the order of the day. The show looks at identity. Mine, us as South Africans and what baggage we pass on to our kids. It’s an evening of funny, purging comedy and by the end you’ll be surprised by how similar everyone’s issues actually are.”
With different formulas working for different comedians, it’s honesty and consistency that works best for him: “If you consistently work at what you do, and are honest in your views, you’ll find an endless source of material. I’ve also learnt over the years to trust that the funny will come.
“When I develop material now, rather than a long writing process, I take a vague concept on stage at a comedy club and let it find its life in front of an audience. Besides staying motivated or putting in the hours writing though, I still believe the key is that I need to enjoy what I’m doing. If I do, it’s infectious. The audience can’t help but have a good time.”
Taylor’s BeSpoke stages at UKZN’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from April 14 to 26.
• Performances are Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7.30pm. Tickets are R120, with discounts for students and block bookings. Early booking through Computicket before April 14, tickets are R96. Book at Computicket or Shoprite Checkers.
WIN! WIN! WIN!
Five double tickets to Bespoke on Tuesday, April 14 are up for grabs. To win, sms DNBespoke and your name to 33258 before 9am tomorrow. Smses charged at R1.50 each. Winners will be contacted telephonically.