ComedyClub  Interviews with comedians Tracy Klass
Interviews, comedy, comedians, standup comedy, humour, humor, South Africa, stand-up comedians, Eidin Griffin
What's the first funny thing you remember saying?
Ooo - its the naked civil servant (Upon being bust by a naked parks board
official whilst climbing in a ravine in Magliesberg, he stopped us and
asked: 'Where is your permit?')
What's your favourite fashion accessory?
Anything that hides my double chin.
How has the way you look affected your identity as a comic?
I love the intro music Sex Bomb - so not one. The way I look is exactly
what I am and I think contextualises what I talk about life from a middle
age perspective.
Are there things you wouldn't say on stage? Eg, any words you'd never use or subjects you'd never tackle?
Yes absolutely. Holocaust jokes.
Who is your major influence? And your major South African influence?
Major international influence must be Jackie Mason, love his content,
delivery and style. I have watched him do a 90 minute set and not swear
once. Major South African influence must be Mark Sampson without him I
wouldn't be doing comedy and also the audience skills of the older comics
like Mel Miller.
Is there any figure from your past that you'd like to see in your audience? What would you do to them or for them?
Lets not go down that road right now.
What's lacking from South African comedy, or audiences, that it remains such a small scene?
A sense of cohension and working together for the greater good rather than
the good of the individual. The CCC has created a comedy circuit in Cape
Town that benefits everybody. I wish it would extend to other centres in
South Africa. Cape Town audiences need to be educated about the content of comedy - sophisticated people who do not want to sit and listen to 90 minutes of filth and swearing must realise that there are alternative venues for
intelligent, clever comedy.
Do you think all South Africans can all laugh at the same joke at the same time. What kind of joke would it be?
Yes - right now anything to do with a Mercedes Benz and Tony Yengeni.
Do you ever steal jokes?
No - because you can ask, it is not necessary to steal.
Would you sell your material?
Yes, I often write stuff that is more suitable for delivery by others. I
have not sold it but given to other comics.
Would you promise never to use it on stage again after the sale?
Not applicable - if it is written for another persons style, why deliver it yourself.
Which internationally renowned comic would you most like to work with? What would you do to him/her?
Jo Brand - I would love to do something about Women's Magazines that have
made millions of women strive to be 5"10, 50Kg anorexics. Of course
designers who say they have a 'sense of humour' and dress women in yards of
silk held together by safety pins.
What's the most embarrassing death you've ever seen another comic die on stage? (names not necessary) Describe the incident, and how you felt.
Fortunately have not yet witnessed that.
Where would you like to live when you retire - if ever?
I won't retire and I still want to stay in Sea Point.
How funny do you Really think you are?
There are times that I think I am absolutely hiliarious - not usually on
stage. I still do my affirmations before I go on stage - you're funny,
you're funny so professionally I obviously have a problem.
Will you matter 50 years after you're dead? Will it matter to you?
I have 3 children - I will always matter to them.
What's the interview question you'd most like to be asked, and what is the answer?
That question is too hard right now. Requires an intelligent answer.
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