By Alec Hogg
South Africa possesses many talented comedians. But most defer to their audiences and, from my experience, those cheering comics loudest prefer bad language, smut and bigotry. After one too many disappointments, we stopped going to comedy shows years ago. Until last night, when we spent a fabulous couple hours in the company of Alan Committie, recipient of a well deserved standing ovation at Monte Casino.
Committie didn’t swear once. Nor did he insult any racial group or people with different sexual preferences. He relied on an armoury of wit, timing, a wicked sense of humour and not taking himself too seriously. I’ve departed comedy shows needing a shower. This time I left relaxed and refreshed.
The success of outliers like Committie proves decency will always have a market. That the dramatic, excessive and sensationalistic are not prerequisites for business or artistic success. Even in crowded marketplaces. A reality worth remembering when faced with a choice between doing what makes the most profit – and what is right.
From Neil Gillett
Well said Alec!
I agree. The use of not bad, but filthy language to try and extricate humor leaves me wondering and is plain embarrassing.Kudos to Committie for his razor wit and as you say, not taking himself too seriously.
I agree with you on your opinion and feelings regarding bad language which performers appear to think endears them to their ‘fans’. Particularly in the UK, the Apollo performers are just so foul-mouthed.
Why your article is so pertinent for me right now, however, is that we flew to Cape Town attend James Blunt’s fabulous concert ten days ago. His music was performed to the level which was totally to our expectations but the whole experience was flawed each time he interacted with us, the audience, as he insisted on using bad language which really was completely unnecessary and added nothing to his conversation. Instead it sort of insulted us by his thinking we speak on that level too.
Thanks for allowing me to offload my gripe.
