Barry Hilton

Introducing everyone’s favorite cousin: Barry Hilton.

Considered to be one of South Africa’s funniest, Barry has become a house hold name with his distinctive brand of South African humour. Known as being the cleanest comedian in the country, Barry prides himself on his optimistic outlook on South African life.

Since becoming a professional comedian in 1983, Barry has performed to sell-out crowds both locally and internationally and was the first South African comedian to perform at the prestigious London comedy club, The Comedy Store.

Website: http://www.barryhilton.co.za
Video Clips: Link
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Location: Port Elizabeth

Barry was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced at a comedy event in Australia?

A: Hello Mate – Barry Hilton.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from your morning routine to your favorite brand of underpants.

A: I love fishing but I always put them back no matter what I catch except my third wife – I’m keeping that one.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Being with my family. As long as we are together it doesn’t matter what we do.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: Port Elizabeth – We already live in it. Sandy, myself and the kids designed it together so it suits our needs. If I ever had to move I would have a house overlooking the sea if I could afford it.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. Looking for the ideal home in PE? How about this amazing 221 ha game farm. Even includes 2 landing strips.

Comedy in South Africa

Q: South Africans are known for our sense of humor and the ability to laugh at ourselves. What is it about South African humor that makes it so unique?

A: Because we can openly talk about each other without anyone being offended.

Q: Give us a little insight into your daily routine. How much time do you spend working on new material, preparing for your next show etc?

A: I make sure I write 10 seconds of material every day. It might not sound much but if you add it up it is more than 1 hour a year.

Q: Having been in the industry since 1983, what are your thoughts on how South African humor has changed over the years?

A: Funny is funny!

Q: If you were opening a new comedy club, which young South African comedian would you ask to do the opening bit and why?

A: Trevor Noah – He’s on the cutting edge and the guys in between myself and him better be worried!

Q: What can we look forward to from Barry Hilton in 2010?

A: Another Child.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Sorry I didn’t get back to you on this I was going to sms you but my phone got stolen. Crime affects everybody, even if it doesn’t happen to you, you are still affected by it. You people are stealing my time.

Q: To which three local attractions would you not take international visitors?

A: I’d take them everywhere because local is lekka, but if I had to choose it would be Hillbrow, Durban Beachfront and a supporters of Eugene Terblanche meeting in Soweto.

Q: Favorite South African personality to joke about?

A: Steve Hofmeyer.

Life in Port Elizabeth

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Port Elizabeth?

A: The wind, it keeps the tourists away.

Q: Favorite outdoor venue in or around PE for spending time with your family?

A: Schoenmakerskop, picnic on the rocks watching the dolphins.

Q: If you were tasked with commissioning a poster to advertise Port Elizabeth to visitors of the Soccer World Cup, which image would you select?

A: Mine – “if you think this guy is a joke you should see our football team.”

General

Q: Who do you consider as the funniest person ever?

A: Richard Prior.

Q: If your were going on a road trip, which 3 South Africans would be most keen to travel with?

A: Julius Malema, Joe Parker & a bus driver.

Q: Which of your jokes would you most like to be remembered for?

A: I can’t feel my legs – written in 1983.

Q: What are some of your favorite chirps from audience members?

Q: Once I went on stage and the mic was echoing. So I said hello…hello and …….. and I said…. schizophrenic . The audience member said would you both shut up.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Any positive South African. Mark Andrews – does he remember having hair?

We’d like to thank Barry for finding the time to answer our questions and wish him every success with the future. We look forward to many more laughs from a comedian who has set the standards in South African comedy since the early 1980′s.

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