Jimmy Carr is back in South Africa: holy cows beware
|||Helen Herimbi
The last time British comedian, Jimmy Carr, was in South Africa, he was the roast master when Kenny Kunene was in the hot seat.
In April, he’s back to perform his one-man show, Funny Business, which is presented by Comedy Central, in Cape Town and Joburg.
“It was a lot of fun,” he remembers the TV channel’s Roast of Kenny Kunene. “A real baptism of fire! It was a real immersion into South African politics, culture and life.”
So I ask him what he would do if the tables were turned. If he were being roasted, who would he want to catch the flames from? He says: “Let’s have a South African, shall we? Let’s have John Vlismas. I like him. Jim Jeffries from Australia. Let’s have Tommy Tiernan from Ireland – brilliant stand-up comedian. I’ll also have Sean Lock from the UK.”
His cross-continental line-up reflects the kind of space Carr is in. One which will see him shoot and package his international Funny Business tour for a special on Netflix.
“It’s instantly global with Netflix. Everyone can get it on day one. Netflix is also changing how I watch and consume media so it’s nice to be a part of that. I think DVDs will be gone in a few years.”
South Africa might not be that big on streaming shows online yet, but we’re certainly big on laughs. As Carr says: “I think the people of South Africa and Great Britain have a great sense of humour,” so he’s not worried that he might get into any serious trouble for his gags.
But, if you get offended on other people’s behalf, chances are, you will find Funny Business less than, er, funny. “My style is still the same,” explains Carr.
“I tell very short jokes. There are about 300 of them in the show. They’re just jokes. It’s not opinions. I’m not trying to change anyone’s mind about anything. I’m just trying to make you laugh.”
So, if you’re thinking of buying a ticket, here’s a bit of advice from the horse’s mouth: “Don’t come if you’re easily offended. Don’t bring your moral compass. Hopefully, there will be a lot of joining in and people having fun.”
Catch Carr’s Funny Business at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on April 8 and at Emperor’s Palace in Joburg on April 9. Book at Computicket.