Centrestage - Entertainment Port Elizabeth

The South Zealand New Africa Comedy Show
starring Barry Hilton (SA) and Mike King (NZ)

The great comedy show-down comes to East London at the end of January as South Africa’s Barry Hilton squares up against New Zealand’s Mike King for an international evening of hi-jinks, mirth and laugher.

Household names in their respective countries, these two comedians and friends will perform together on stage in a side-splitting, no-holds barred comedy show, taking place at the Guild Theatre for one night only on Monday 30 January.

Barry Hilton’s unrehearsed performances, quick wit, animated physical antics and hilarious facial expressions leave audiences gasping for air. Internationally renowned, Barry has packed audiences in and around the world. He is as well-known for his humorous TV adverts and for the well-received movie Finding Lenny as he is for his hilarious stand-up comedy.

Doing the laughter haka with South Africa’s best-loved ‘cousin’ and comedian is Mike King, from New Zealand. Known for his entertaining, candid and thought-provoking brand of comedy, Mike King is one of New Zealand's best known stand-up comedians with a career spanning over 17 years.

Mike has performed at more international festivals than any other comedian from his country. A familiar face of New Zealand television, he has hosted numerous comedy series and specials. He is well received by a wide range of audiences and his style has been described as ‘Brilliant, Fast Paced, Savvy, Witty, Sharp and Upbeat’.

Interestingly, in November 2010 Mike had the homour of becoming the subject of New Zealand’s first MTV “Roast” in honour of his achievements as one of NZ’s premier and best loved comedians.

“I’m really excited about showing Mike our beautiful country and I know we’ll enjoy working together in SA as much as we did in New Zealand last year,” says Barry who will be returning to work in Australia and New Zealand later this year. Barry also has shows booked in Europe, the UK, Middle East and America during 2012.

“Barry’s animal impressions are second to none,” says Mike who likens Barry to comedy icon Richard Pryor – “but without the swearing!”

Barry met Mike in New Zealand in August last year. They worked together on three occasions to rapturous applause.

They hit it off straight away and spent much time chatting, comparing life experiences and of course, joking. Barry told Mike he’d see if he could get him over to South Africa and he did! Once he’d mentioned Mike to The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City, they didn’t hesitate to book Mike’s flights and two shows – and a national tour ensued!

Although Mike does swear during his performance and can’t be billed to have a “clean” show, Barry and Mike are very similar in their outlook on life, seeing the humour in every situation and both their favourite past time is being with, speaking to and making people laugh.

Unintentionally and effortless, Barry Hilton has crafted his own classic blend of observational satire, circular storytelling and animated expressions. He is synonymous with inducing stomach-crunching laughter, exerting his neck and eyebrows in weird ways, saying the word ‘kak’ a lot and being loved and known by his nickname, ‘The Cousin’.

Their East London show starts at 18h00 - tickets costing R110 each and can be booked through the Guild Theatre by calling 043-7430704.

Concessions costing R85 for students and pensioners are available, while groups of 4 or more pay only R95.

An age restriction of 16 applies.

For more information - visit www.barryhilton.co.za

Some news on Barry & Mike !!!:
• this is the last set of public concerts Barry will be doing in South Africa until September!
• It is also Barry’s 30th year as a professional comedian
• He is working on a new movie with Anant Singh
• He’ll be working in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and America this year
• He’s just filmed his second TV advert for Romans Pizza
• Although this is his first visit to South Africa, Mike also travels extensively and is flying off to Afghanistan after his South African tour!
• Mike hosts a radio chat show called the Nutters Club which offers support to people suffering from depression and addiction

Did you know?
• Barry is a professional auctioneer as well as a handyman who builds his own cabinets and bookshelves
• He also loves gadgets and is very knowledgeable on new hardware and software
• Barry is a big Superbike fan and supports Team Suzuki
• He loves to watch Premier league football, but does not like rugby
• He also likes to fish, but puts them back