Barry Hilton was born in Zimbabwe, spent time in England and then moved to Johannesburg. So it is no surprise that his crowd-pleasing brand of stand-up has an international appeal.
It is the comedy equivalent of a large plate of steak and chips. Chunky and filling if ultimately simple fare. Back in South Africa Hilton is a superstar. With an estimated 300,000ex-pats in London it is no surprise that his Laughter To The People safari is attracting big crowds.
Hilton specialises in no-frills observational comedy. Paunchy, safe and unashamedly middle-aged, he strolls onstage, sarcastically reassuring the crowd with "don?t be afraid, this is not Johannesburg". As was noticeableat the Riverside Studio?s recent SA Festival, jokes about Jo?Burg?s murder rate ?- more a crime tsunami than a crime wave -? are the Springbok equivalent of gags about Simon Cowell?s waistband. These ubiquitous remarks get the biggest if easiest laughs. "Do you have fast food there?" a cabbieasked Hilton. "If you?re not fast, you?re food," crackled the instant reply. Carjacking has arrived in London. It?s the one thing South Africa is a market leader in.
Although Laughter To The People will undoubtedly appeal primarily to the homesick fans, there is plenty of material for the homegrown comedy connoisseur to smile at. Hilton?s smattering of Afrikaans hardly needs subtitles. Star Trek sound effects, the way weetabix sticks to your tongue,trying to get through airport security with piercings, all tickle the global funny bone. There?s a hint that this is a greatest hits set; either that or his routine about the long-forgotten movie Alien Nation suggests that he should get out more. Hilton is not remotely political or offensive.While it would be nice if he was more of the former, it is strangely refreshing that he is none of the latter.
Also at Simply SA, Shepherd?s Bush, 15, 18, 20 April. Box office: 020 8222 6662. Corner Bar, Windsor, 16 April, 01753 862031. Swan, High Wycombe, 17 April, 01494 512000.
Barry Hilton: Laughter To The People
