Comedian channels his inner caveman

He believes it rarely has to do with the show, but more about developments in the foyer before the performance starts.

From previous experience, Committie has observed audiences take on a personality throughout the show. He can work out a crowd in a couple of minutes, and see what pace of performance will work. This is especially so in the classic stand-up comedic hit, Defending the Caveman, in which Committie plays a caveman who compares the different cultures of the opposite sexes in caveman times and modern society.

Defending the Caveman has been running for 18 years and was brought to South Africa from Broadway in America by Pieter Toerien. According to Committie, the play was given to actor Tim Plewman who gave the show a South African slant. When Plewman had enough of the show, Toerien approached Committie to take over as he felt the show “still had legs and people wanted to come watch it”.

“I wanted to give the show my own stamp and made it a bit more stand-up. I still play all the characters, but I also like to break that fourth wall and engage with the audience,” said Committie.

Committie said the show speaks to everyone.

“Even if you are not in a relationship, you will recognise the behaviour in your friends, parents or siblings,” he said.

Committie thinks all comedians look at the world askew, which helps with creating new material for their shows.

“We all experience being p**sed off, but I often step out of myself and try see how to make the situation funny,” said Committie.

“The comedy becomes a bit of therapy for me.”

When asked what makes him laugh, Committie said anything from subtle mockumentaries to people falling on their bottoms. He also enjoys comedy panel shows, as they are “just brain dead enough to not [have to] concentrate, but stimulating because the comedians are so quick and witty”.

Defending the Caveman is running at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from 4 June to 6 July.

Details: www.alancommittie.co.za