Scene & heard
Accent – tick. Moustache – tick. Comb stuck into the socks – tick. Comic timing – tick. There’s no doubt about it – ROB VAN VUUREN (41) was born to play the role of iconic South African character Van der Merwe in the movie of the same title. Van Der Merwe hits cinema screens on 28 July and the comedian says shooting the film was “an unforgettable experience”. “I had the best time,” Rob says of the film which also stars veteran funnyman Barry Hilton (61). “I think people are going to have a great laugh seeing Van come to life and I hope they also connect with the heart I tried to imbue the character with. I loved playing him and I hope they love watching him.” We caught up with Rob soon after his return from a trip to the UK. What was the best part of making this movie? Working with an incredibly talented cast and an amazing crew. It felt like a family. Also the opportunity to play an iconic character like Van doesn’t come along every day. What do you love about Van der Merwe? He’s such a clown and as with all great clowns the pleasure is watching him get himself into trouble and then trying to get out of it, often unsuccessfully. What was the coolest part of your recent trip to the UK? Sharing it with my family, first and foremost. Also getting to play the legendary Top Secret Comedy Club in London – and getting a five-star review in the British press for my one-man theatre show Dangled. Plus our kiddies show Florence & Watson & The Sugarbush Mouse was a sell-out and we sold lots of copies of our book! It gives me great pleasure to know that our little South African kid’s story is now a treasured item in a bunch of British kids’ book collections. What’s the best thing about being a dad? Everything my daughter teaches me. Every day with her is a gift.