The 28-year-old who hails from Retreat in the Mother City, has managed to capture audiences with his clean cut energetic brand of comedy. I caught up with Oliver and asked him to take us through his career highlights, explain what he loves most about the comedy industry and to share with us how he deals with negative feedback.
Take us through your career thus far. How did you become a stand-up comedian?
I started in 2010. I was a BA student at UCT (politics and history major). I was studying for an exam and was bored – brain dead. I then started jotting down a few funny thoughts. The next day I told my friends and family that I wanted to be a comedian. I emailed all the local comedy producers and got my first open mic spot on 26 November 2016.
Thereafter, I continued performing but studied for two more years. I completed my history honours and postgraduate certificate in education – qualifying as a high school maths and history teacher in 2012.
I taught at Wynberg Boys’ High School in 2013. I did that for about five months, which included teaching practicals. I know, right? And here I am calling myself an ex-teacher. Officially, I taught for two months after qualifying as a high school maths and history teacher at UCT. It was a temporary post. Once that short stint was done I packed my bags and headed straight for the stage.
Glad to hear that. Elaborate on your style of comedy?
I’m extremely energetic and animated on stage. I tell stories that are grounded in my life or daily experiences as a Capetonian and South African. When my stories have a certain truth, I find it more enjoyable and easier to perform on stage. The magic of people understanding a local reference or slang is priceless. I feel like it breaks certain barriers. It’s as if we go from being strangers to friends within a few seconds. Not close friends that will pay for dinner, but close enough to ask for comps to your next show.
Who inspires you?
My parents. They are proper legends who have always supported me. If I manage to do half the job they’ve done as human beings then I’ll be happy. Any professional working comedian who has managed to build a career in this rather cut-throat industry. It’s a tough space and anyone who finds their place in it deserves to be given credit.
With that said, what do you love most about this industry?
Comedy is no joke. Being funny is serious business. It’s amazing to see how passionate comedians are about their craft. Working alongside individuals like these is everything. Bigger picture, I get to share my stories with people and make them laugh and smile. That’s pretty awesome.
What motto do you live by?
Always make sure that you have enough cash in your bank account so that your debit orders can go off accordingly.
I tend to shut down if audience members give me advice/feedback. It’s not like I go to their job and tell them what to do. I know I sound harsh. That being said, I usually only take feedback from my show director or colleagues who I trust. They understand the art form and business.What is your dream gig?
This a tough one. However, I feel like I'm living my dream. It’s happening right now. A three-week run of my second one-man show Face for Radio at the prestigious Baxter Theatre. This was the goal when I started. Making it happen was out my control. It’s materialised. So yeah, my dream gig is happening right now!
What is the worst feedback you have ever received and how did you bounce back?
I can only gage the crowd’s response through laughter. New material is the most exciting but yet toughest to perform. You still finding the funny bits on stage. Sometimes it doesn’t go well and people don’t laugh. When starting out it’s scary but the more experienced you get, the more you realise that it’s all part of the process.
I have a weird ritual if my set doesn’t go as planned and people don’t laugh. I usually end up driving home at about 60km/h while listening to old school, slow jams. Let the heart open up and take it all in, haha! I know. It’s a weird habit.
Any advice for newbies trying to crack it in the industry?
Get as much stage time as possible. Perform. Perform. Perform. It’s the only way to get better.
Face for Radio is now on at the Baxter Theatre until Saturday, 9 September. For more information, engage with Oliver on the following social media platforms: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.
