HASHTAG LOTTERING. With Marc Lottering.
Karen Rutter
We all know the inherent perils of WhatsApp groups – who forms them, who gets invited, who has the most to say – which can turn into a socio-political minefield. And we all fear what offense has been committed when we see those terse words: “Sheryl has left the group” …
However, we don’t all have the ability to decode this ubiquitous form of communication, to unravel its complex strands, and to then repackage it as belly-aching comedy. And this, as much as his innate sense of timing and his rapid-fire delivery, is Marc Lottering’s gift. His super-power, if you will. It’s the capacity to really, really listen to what people are saying, to contextualise conversations, to decrypt commentary, and then to create something truly comic from his observations. A lot of his material is made up of mirror reflections – how we behave at a braai, what you do when you’re broke – that are easy to recognise. It’s familiar, which is part of why it’s funny. And that’s Lottering’s genius – spinning comedic gold from commonplace straw.
Hashtag Lottering, his latest show, has played to packed houses around the country prior to the current Baxter residency, which is itself a return run. Such is Lottering’s national popularity. But while he may be big in Brakpan, in the Cape audiences definitely like to claim him as their own, and the atmosphere in his local shows is often one of extreme proprietary affection.
The afore-mentioned WhatsApp groups form part of a programme which moves at a rapid pace from January debt to the downside of living in Camps Bay to paying your familial dues. Lottering’s turbo-charged delivery never flags as he segues smoothly through the evening, neither his trademark ‘fro nor his sprightly flow ever flagging. And while his shows are never overtly political, Hashtag Lottering, like most of his other work, continues to cock a wily snoot at contemporary shenanigans.
It’s been nearly two decades since Lottering launched his career, something one forgets when witnessing his spry, skinny-assed energy and ever-delighted sense of humour. But it’s fair to call him a comedic veteran at this stage, someone who has paid his dues and continues to deliver at the top of his game. Ultimately, Hashtag Lottering is a master class in stand up performance. You’ll be very sad to miss it.
Where and when: Baxter Theatre, 17 January to 4 February.
Book: Computicket
WS
