Pieter-Dirk ‘aces' it again

First off, let me admit that upon entering the Baxter, I found myself gravitating towards the main auditorium where the Old Mutual Comedy Encounters was showing. The eclectic line-up was like a dangling carrot to a stand-up comedy fan like me.

But as it turned out, choosing quality over quantity paid dividends as Uys served up a hearty portion of social commentary, coated with a thick layer of satire to sate the most cynical of appetites. Judging by the way he ripped into any topical political figure, the term ‘diplomatic immunity' clearly meant nothing to him - nobody was exempt. And he did so with gusto. Mbeki, Motlanthe, Malema, P.W. Botha, Zille, De Lille, McBride, Boesak, Marais and of course, Zuma, all earned themselves a mention.

Patricia De Lille herself was seated barely a metre away from me, and it was refreshing to be reminded that some politicians do indeed possess a sense of humour. Even the weathergirl from the free TV channel was seated in the next row. The hodgepodge of demographics the audience represented brought to light a common denominator - we all need to laugh. No matter your background or creed, the harsh realities (read: absurdities) of everyday life can overwhelm you, but sometimes laughing it off can help put things back into perspective. Pieter-Dirk Uys recognises this and has made a career of it.

Local politicians aren't the only ones subject to haranguing though; the Clintons and the Obamas (through the eyes of Karin, the White House-keeper) also feature. From there, Uys smoothly transforms from one character to the next, using his finely-honed talents to combine improvisation with superb comedic acting and a commanding stage presence. He even manages to toss in a couple of ventriloquist acts along the way. His jerky attempts at impersonating Zuma's Umshini Wami dance routine while in the guise of another character had us rolling in the aisles, and was worth the admission price alone. When the time came for De Lille's I.D. party to be systematically ripped apart, I felt myself cringing on behalf of the feisty politician, but couldn't help letting out a good guffaw or two myself.

After the intermission, we returned to the second half of the show which belonged solely to the inimitable Evita Bezuidenhout. I couldn't help but notice the empty seat previously occupied by De Lille, and surmised that she must have vacated the building in an offended huff. But surprise, surprise - in a theatrical coup, Uys somehow managed to convince her to join him on stage for an “interview” with Tannie Evita. The improvisational comedy that ensued would make a seasoned ‘Saturday Night Live' impresario proud - proper class!

Elections & Erections runs at the Baxter until 3 May, following successful runs at the Sneddon Theatre in Durban and Joburg's Civic Theatre; and the timing could not have been any more perfect. Foremost in the hearts and minds of all South Africans at the moment are the upcoming elections, which provide plenty of fodder for Uys. But while tickling your funny-bone, he also provokes serious thought, and in trying times like these, laughter may yet turn out to be the best medicine. I highly recommend you get your dose.