DINGALINGS Productions is all set to stage its new show, The Long and Short of It, featuring Henry Ramkissoon and Koobeshen Naidoo.
Promised to be a laugh a minute stand-up comedy and skit show, Tonight caught up with Naidoo (the “long one”) to find out more.
“The Long and the Short of It is an entirely new show. The idea and title of the show started off as a joke based on our (his and Ramkissoon’s) height differences and just developed from there. It goes beyond height though and looks at our conclusions about life as it deals with our unique and funny take on life in South Africa, especially Durban. We have worked on it for a month and will intensify the rehearsals now for the next two weeks. We play ourselves and a few other characters throughout the hour-long performance,” he explained.
Commenting on some of the themes addressed and how these roll out on stage, he said: “It deals with skits and stand-up delivered by both of us dealing specifically with issues that irritate, anger and frustrate people in our community. Like the in-laws, petrol attendants, husbands, fireworks etc. The themes and ideas that flow are ideas from our lives and personal experiences. Things that we notice about family, friends and colleagues and how they respond under pressure or just daily occurrences like not getting promoted, inability to conceive, attending weddings and so on.”
Ramkissoon and Naidoo have come a long way through the years, and it shows in their synergy on stage: “We initially met at university and it was love at first sight. In fact, Henry used to stalk me just to be part of my aura. I eventually found out that he actually had a crush on my girlfriend,” jokes Naidoo.
“After graduating we started working. We started working together again 11 years ago and have never looked back. The synergy we share comes from a trust of each other on stage and an uncanny ability to understand what the other is thinking. Also by trying to outwit each other on stage and make the other look bad, like typical male friends, the comedy and fun just flows. I guess, simply put, we like performing together.”
The Long and Short of It stages at the iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino from November 7 to 9 on a double bill with The Return of the Boolulu Uncle (Senzo Mthethwa’s sequel to The Boolulu Uncle ).
This double bill promises to give audiences a double laugh for their money.
• Tickets for this two-for-the-price of one show are R140. Show times are 8pm Friday, 5pm and 8pm Saturday and 3pm on Sunday. Early booking is advised at Computicket, Shoprite Checkers or the Sibaya box office. The show carries a 13 age restriction.