#BehindTheCurtain: Q&A with comedian Alan Committie

I spoke to him last week to find out what comedy means to him and more…

When are you happiest?

On stage. There is a paradoxical delight in the control and freedom that you feel in front of an audience. It concentrates your mind in a way that is thrilling, but also allows you to widen your perspective by accepting and then shaping energies from an audience.

But also, watching cricket at Newlands in January. It’s a toss up.

Photo by DK Expressions

What does comedy mean to you?

The deep satisfaction of creating a new gag that works, the pleasure of the belly laugh aroused in an audience, the release of realising through our laughter we are all in this together.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Every part of the process has its pleasures. The dreaming up of a new show, the writing and structuring of material, the dark theatre hours where you tech the show into existence, the playing in front of an audience.

But it’s often in the reactions and comments after a performance that surprise most deeply. You forget how important joy and laughter is to us as humans. People need the release and the uplifment.

And then, every now and then, you get paid quite well too!

What drives you – ego or humility?

I would like to say humility. In relation to the craft and art of performance and comedy. One can never be bigger than the game. And you have to keep learning.

But I am often alone on stage daring an audience to laugh at what I say over a period of 90 minutes. I suspect a little bit of ego is involved…

It’s your round what are you drinking?

Not a big drinker. If I want a little alcoholic lubricant I might have a tequila or two. Otherwise I am a Coca-Cola fiend. I know. I KNOW.

What makes you stand out?

Amongst comedians? I am the best dibbly dobbler away-swing slow medium paced bowler amongst them.

Nicknames?

Sadly nothing that has stuck. I suspect people call me all kinds of names all the time. But amongst friends… nada.

If you were not a comedian, what would you do?

Teacher. I am a qualified high school teacher. Taught part time for about seven years in the late 90s, early 00s.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Energetic, ambitious, curious, charming, stubborn.

Photo by DK Expressions

What comedian changed your life?

Mark Banks – my comedy mentor.
Peter Sellers – comedy could be exquisite clowning.

What is your favorite fashion garment?

A light blue-grey jersey that looks like a Star Trek uniform.

What is your greatest achievement?

Getting through all these questions! How many more can there be…

What is your fear?

Not hearing the laughter.

What do you tend to do on stage?

Come alive and sweat quite a lot.

What are your wishes and dreams for 2018?

So far, I am making them realities. This year, after Love Factually and hosting the Jive Funny Festival for the 10th time, I am taking a little break from comedy and stretching my acting muscles (I trained as an actor at UCT).

I will be performing in two dramatic roles one of which is something I’ve had in my sights for almost 20 years… Watch this space

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