Expect a Hughes and cry
Comic to add colour to the laughs in one-man debut show
UP-AND-coming comedian Andrew Hughes is set to keep his fans rolling with laughter with his debut one-man show at the Bat Centre, Wilson’s Wharf, Durban, on April 27 and 28.
Originally from Ixopo, Hughes, 33, entered the comedy scene in 2016 and a year later he was nominated for the Newcomer Category of the Comics Choice Awards 2017, considered the Oscars of South African comedy.
Speaking to the Independent on Saturday this week, the comic said he had toured with Carvin Goldstone and shared the stage with a host of local comedy heavyweights such as Joey Rasdien, Kagiso Lediga, Marc Lottering, Donovan and Jason Goliath.
Hughes is looking forward to staging his show, In Living Colour(ed). “The name of my show is inspired by a comedy series, In Living Colour, which aired on TV in the early 1990s and starred Keenan Wayans and Jim Carrey.
“I then decided to use the word ‘Colour(ed)’ and brighten it up using different colours, all in a bid to show that the show is applicable to people of all ‘colours and racial backgrounds’,” he explained.
“I’ve also called it In Living Colour(ed) because I am coloured but look black. There are coloured people who look Indian and some white. We come from different backgrounds and have amazing stories to tell.
“In Living Colour(ed) is partly a celebration of my story on stage. The show will incorporate a lot of storytelling about growing up coloured and as a South African. It will also touch on themes like relationships and the colourful shenanigans in Parliament and politics. The aim is to tell stories that we can all relate to, regardless of racial background or age,” said Hughes.
His interest in comedy began in 2011 after he and a friend watched a Proudly Coloured Comedy Show DVD. That’s when Hughes started going to comedy clubs to get the feeling of comedy.
“At family gatherings when I was growing up, friends and family always told me I was hilarious when I cracked family jokes. I was also encouraged to try out stand-up comedy but was intimidated at the prospect of being with other experienced acts. In May 2016, Goldstone launched a show, Next Comedy Generation, which aimed at giving newcomers a chance on the stage. That was where I made my mark.
“After that I started getting booked by comedy promoters in Durban and my comedy just kept improving,” he said.
Hughes also began releasing videos on social media in a bid to increase his fan base – a few of the videos went viral.
Describing his style of comedy as “a mix of witty with storytelling”, he said: “I also include some impersonations and a bit of dancing.”
Schooled in Gauteng, Hughes studied for a certificate in music at the Soul Candi Institute in Joburg.
Having kept his day job in a bank, he said: “Comedy is a my part-time job, since I couldn’t guarantee my success in the business. Not that I don’t trust that I’m talented enough but the reality is this a competitive industry.
“That’s what you should always consider as an artist.
“I also advise young comedians to do the same, get an education and performing could be an extra hobby. After all, it works for me,” said Hughes.
He moved to Durban in 2011 with his daughter, saying they both enjoyed bunny chows and the warm weather.
“I can’t say it was easy moving to Durban since it was just my daughter and I, without knowing anybody.
“But we enjoy the awesome warm weather and the famous bunny chow is divine – I can eat it for days.
“I really can’t wait to perform solo. Durbanites must get ready because ‘the show will be lit’,” he said.
Hughes presents his show, In Living Colour(ed), on April 27 and 28 at The Bat Centre, Wilson’s Wharf, Durban, at 8pm.
Tickets are R100 via Quicket.co.za and at the door. This is a clean comedy show and suitable for all ages.