Alan Committie’s ‘Comedy Gold’: The Flipchart Strikes Again
Last night I attended Alan Committie's Joburg debut of his new show: 'Comedy Gold'. Walking into the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino, we were greeted immediately by the iconic Olympic Rings lit up in neon and three flip charts sitting on their own medal podiums. Taking my seat, I looked forward to reminiscing on the funniest moments of the Paris games and whatever else Committie had in store for us.
What followed was nothing short of an Olympic-level comedy performance. Committie, a veteran of South African comedy, delivered a display of vibrant wordplay, endearing self-deprecation, sharp wit, and groan-worthy dad jokes that had the entire audience enraptured. Having brought comedy shows to Montecasino for 27 years now, his tried-and-tested formulas might be predictable, but like a favourite family recipe, they never fail to satisfy the South African palate for humour.
The show's premise revolves around achievement and going for gold, but Committie's comedic repertoire spans far beyond just Olympic commentary. He seamlessly melds slapstick political satire with playful jabs at South Africa's many challenges, proving once again that laughter truly is the best medicine for our national ailments. A particularly memorable rant about the Renault Kwid (which he dissects with the precision of a car salesman having an existential crisis) had the audience in stitches, while his observations about everyday South African life hit surprisingly close to home.
The real magic happens in Committie's interactions with the audience. These impromptu moments, which could really go anywhere (and they do), showcase his quick thinking and ability to turn even the most mundane responses into comedy gold. Whether he's bantering with a front-row accountant about tax season or turning a teenager's eye roll into a five-minute bit about generational divides, Committie proves he's still at the top of his game.
And then there are the flip charts – oh, the flip charts! As always, they play a central role in his performance, but this time Committie has outdone himself with a triple threat of word association that keeps the entire audience on the edge of their seats. Like amateur detectives at a crime scene, we found ourselves trying to connect the dots and predict his next move, attempting to beat him to the golden punchline. But Committie's playful insanity always stays one step ahead, leading us down delightfully twisted paths of logic that somehow make perfect sense in the moment.
The show culminates in what can only be described as a tour de force of physical comedy, with Committie donning resplendent athleisure wear and delivering a wholesome message about seeing ourselves as works of art, even if we don't win the gold. It's a fitting end to a show that manages to be both hilarious and heartwarming.
If you want 6-pack abs (from laughing, not exercising) and a grin that's plastered all over your face, be sure to get down to Comedy Gold at Montecasino from 19 February to 16 March. Tickets range from R150 to R260 and can be booked through Webtickets.