2011-01-24: Awards night keeps ‘em laughing

Riaad Moosa was the man of the moment, winning the Comics Choice Award. He shared the limelight with Gary the Tooth Fairy, who won the Audience Choice Award.
AS could be expected, the first South African Comics Choice Awards, held at Montecasino’s Teatro, were a laugh a minute as comics paid homage to their peers on 22 January.

Funnyman David Kau keeps the crowd entertainedFunnyman David Kau keeps the crowd entertainedComedians and celebrities trod the red carpet into a packed Teatro. Socialite Edith Venter and Idols 2010 finalist Sindi Nene were two of the well-known faces who turned up. “I just came out to enjoy myself and see what’s on show,” said Nene.

The event was jampacked with entertainment, with the audience not knowing what to expect next. Mimes, comedian Allan Committie’s take on contemporary dance and hilarious skits made it difficult not to leave without a stitch in your side.

The comics were voted for by their peers in the industry, except for the Audience Choice category, in which members of the public were able to vote via SMS.

Funny man Riaad Moosa took home the coveted Comics Choice Award. He was not able to attend, but he still managed to make the audience laugh with the pre recorded video he sent in.

Bevan Cullinan, better known as Gary the Tooth Fairy, won the Audience Choice Award and the television and theatre actor, Rob van Vuuren, took home the Breakthrough Award.

Comics were not allowed to give acceptance speeches but rather made to perform a set. Worth mentioning was the winner of the Newcomer Award, musical comedian Deep Fried Man, who brought out his guitar and performed his side-splitting Acceptance Speech.

Veteran funnyman Mel Miller got a Lifetime Achievement winner award a week before the ceremony, and defied the rules of the night by thanking his fellow comics and the organisers of the event. “This is the greatest initiative comedy has ever had in South Africa,” he said. “It brings comics together.”

Not a single woman was nominated, yet a number of comediennes performed on the night, proving they were a force to be reckoned with. Cape Town native Shimmy Isaacs, Tumi Morake and Kate Normington represented the fairer sex in the male-dominated industry.

Winners walked away with a Chris Winspear-sculpted bronze statuette, called the Waldo, while Miller and Moosa each received a white gold jester skull ring with diamonds for eyes, created by the Orpheo Twins.

Comedy legend Al Debbo was the guest of honour and was given a special Waldo Award for his contribution to the industry. As the 86-year-old was led on to the stage, all the comics took to their feet in applause.

The awards were followed by a VIP only after-party, held at Parkers Comedy and Jive, where the comics celebrated their victories and congratulated their peers.