Spud’s dad back in EL with more laughs
POPULAR comedian and entertainer Aaron McIlroy is back in East London tomorrow to tickle a few funnybones.
Having entertained Eastern Cape residents with his comedy shows for 25 years, McIlroy says: “I always feel very warm and comfortable when I’m in East London. I have a history with the city. It’s like a reunion with friends, people who always want to see me. I think that’s nice.”
Famous for his role as Spud’s dad in the South African films based on John van de Ruit’s novels, McIlroy says people have always needed to laugh, but norms of what is acceptable and what’s not change constantly.
“As comedians, we are always pushing boundaries while trying to make people laugh, because we still want audiences to pay and see the show, but we also want to convey the truth unconventionally.
“Tastes are changing now, and there’s a lot more freedom of expression. The focus is on entertainment, but as comedians we communicate our version of reality.
“We deal with things in ways that only we can, which is more fun, and sometimes more effective too. We just dress it up appropriately to help people deal with it better.”
Reflecting back on 2017, McIlroy said it had been a hard year with a lot of negativity for the country, but it had given him the platform to lighten spirits and ease the load people had been carrying.
“As a comedian, I’ve found that I have been able to look at the world more positively. People have needed to laugh more than ever this year, and I hope I can make life easier to handle.
“Laughing together at challenges builds communities because we can all relate to the struggle.”
McIlroy said comedy came naturally to him, and once he realised he could make people laugh, he never looked back.
“I am a character comedian. I get to impersonate people from different backgrounds and their way of doing things.
“It makes for a wider palette for jokes, and a different type of comedy.”
He said his East London audience could look forward to an evening of fun and laughter.
“I am choosing what I want to put on for the show, and am collecting bits and nibs that I think will give a dynamic and interactive feel to the show.
“I don’t owe my staying power to myself but to the grace of God. I’ve been able to keep developing and working, and have the blessing of being able to look at the world differently.”
Catch McIlroy on stage at the Centenary hall, Hudson Park High School, tomorrow evening from 6.30pm.
Tickets are R125 per person. Contact (043) 726-3205 for more details. —