Nik Rabinowitz was hilarious to interview. I couldn’t keep a straight face during his responses.
His latest show, “Pension Killer”, promises to be a side-splitting affair. And after listening to the genesis of the show, theatregoers are clearly in for a treat.
Rabinowitz said Kagiso Lediga might have given him the idea during lockdown.
He shared: “I think we were working on an online show and I was telling him about growing up with a much older dad. So my dad didn’t get married until my mom accidentally fell pregnant and he proposed outside the doctor’s office.
“He would have got down on one knee but he had a double hip replacement just before. He was 56 when I was born.”
At the time, his dad was living on a meagre income and a more meagre pension from having fought in World War II.
“It was enough to get by as a single man but then suddenly, he had a wife and a kid, so I became his pension killer.”
On comedians opting for an intimate theatre setting as opposed to larger venues, he explained: “I’ve always enjoyed the theatre shows. It was done more in Cape Town than in Joburg for a very long time. It gives the comedy show a different kind of experience for the performer and the audience.
“Also, it has become a lot harder to fill big spaces. It was easier when I was on the radio to market big shows. But then you are also doing a fewer amount of performances.”
Having been in the industry long enough to belong to the seasoned league, he weighed in on how the comedy landscape has changed.
“Comedy is always evolving with the times and, so, that naturally occurs and you kind of review maybe things that you said 10 years ago with how you would say it now. You have to stay in touch with what’s happening.”
He hired a young team to ensure he remained woke and wouldn’t be cancelled.
“I do work with one comedian and I can say I’m old enough to be her dad although she says I absolutely cannot.
“The other day, I was doing a Tutu impression for her and she said: ‘You can’t do that anymore.’ I was like: ‘Oh, I guess I can’t.’ Then I got booked to do a Tutu fund-raiser and they begged me to do the Tutu impression. I was worried I was going to get cancelled.”
He went on to relay the feedback he got, which was positive, along with the accent. As I said, he was uncontrollably funny.
As for what theatregoers can expect from the show, he shared: “I talk about load-shedding withdrawal symptoms because we have been overwhelmed with electricity; people may not be familiar with what those kinds of symptoms are but I felt like a PSA should be a part of the show.”
He also talks about the Government of National Unity, what is going on in America, visiting Australia, rugby, and, last but not least, being a pension killer.
Where: Theatre on the Square.
When: Runs until August 3, 7.30pm.
Cost: R250 from Computicket.
Lucia di Lammermoor
In celebration of Cape Town Opera’s 25th Anniversary, the company is restaging its first production, “Lucia di Lammermoor”, under the direction of the celebrated founder of Cape Town Opera, Angelo Gobbato.
Gaetano Donizetti’s masterful opera tells the heart-wrenching tale of a doomed love affair set against a backdrop of family feuds and political intrigue. Featuring Cape Town Opera’s Fleur du Cap-winning stars such as Brittany Smith, Conroy Scott and Lukhanyo Moyake.
No under-16s allowed.
Daniel Keet will be conducting the Joburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
Where: Mandela Theatre at the Joburg Theatre.
When: July 25 and 28, 7pm.
Cost: R215 to R750 through Webtickets.
Alice in Wonderland
An old favourite with the little ones is on for a limited run.
Get ready to go on an adventure with Alice as this much-loved classic is brought to life with a fun and funky flair under the directorship of Neka da Costa.
Follow the White Rabbit and come face to face with the Blue Caterpillar and the grinning Cheshire Cat.
Have tea with the maddening Mad Hatter and play croquet with the tricky Queen of Hearts.
There is no age restriction but the show is more suited to children 5 years and older.
Where: Pieter Torien Theatre.
When: Runs from today until July 28, 11am. Check the website for other show times.
Cost: R150 to R200 at Webtickets.