Parker takes fans on nostalgic comedy trip
COMEDIAN Joe Parker, known as the “Godfather of SA Comedy”, will be taking a nostalgic stroll down comedy memory lane this week as Centrestage presents his show My Back Pages at Old Grey for one night only on Thursday.
Parker has been a regular visitor to Port Elizabeth over the years, where his stints at the then Lillies Bar at the old Summerstrand Holiday Inn and at the Elizabeth Hotel formed part of the tapestry of growing up in the city in the late 1970s and ’80s.
In a 44-year career, the South African-born comic has won a reputation for being earthy, provocative and innovative. Despite his cheeky defiance of all things politically correct, Joe is one of few comics to be have had an episode of Dali Tambo’s hit talk show People of the South devoted to him alone.
His style of delivery is direct and to the point – best described as adult and sometimes risque.
A fine musician to boot, he isn’t shy to pull out his guitar and treat his audience to a few rib-tickling songs, such as evergreen classic renditions of The Good, The Bad and the Ugly and Curry in the Sun.
Parker and partner Lindsay Earl opened Parker’s Comedy and Jive in Montecasino in December 2008 to give a platform to established as well as up-and-coming comedians.
However, his long career stretches back to 1971, and he has toured South Africa extensively and produced an impressive list of successful shows, including The Comedians '95.
Parker has produced several adult pantomimes with nudge, nudge, wink, wink titles like Jack and His Big Stalk, Puss ’n Boots and Rotten Hood – all sell-outs at Carnival City Casino. He also produced and toured Australian comedy legend Kevin “Bloody” Wilson and in conjunction with Tim Plewman, Joe produced the farce Grin and Bare It at the Mardi Gras Theatre at Carnival City Casino in July and August 2010.
Since 1999, Joe has been growing and mentoring new comics at various events he has staged, many of whom have become household names in the industry.
The single Centrestage performance starts at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost R160 each, with bookings of eight or more R150 each available through Computicket or by calling Wendy on 082-661-6921.