In the spotlight: Get to know Chantal Jax Venter

Soon to be a household name, Chantal Jax Venter is a former Brakpan resident who is making a name for herself on the comedy scene. The funny woman will be performing in Johannesburg in September, so be sure to catch one of her shows.

• How old are you?

The big 30. The age of no give-a-stuffs.

• Are you married?

Not with my sense of humour, I’m lucky my partner still sticks around.

• Do you have any children or pets?

These questions are making me realise I’m a very lonely person, hahaha.

Unfortunately, I’m allergic to both.

• You are a former Brakpan resident, where do you stay now?

I relocated to Cape Town after graduating from my studies in 2008.

• Do you have any fond memories of Brakpan?

Of course I do!

My fondest memory is going to the roadhouse as a child for toasted burgers and milkshakes.

• How did you discover your passion for comedy?

I took part in a competition and on my debut performance, I placed second out of 26 comedians.

Comedy has been a coping mechanism for me growing up as a “different” child.

The same still applies to being an adult.

• How long have you been doing comedy?

I started my comedic career in July 2015 and I haven’t looked back since.

These past three years have been a whirlwind of opportunities and achievements.

• Do you have a full-time job?

I used to be a service manager for a copier company; you could imagine the amount of material I was able to write from that job.

Six months ago I decided to take the plunge and now comedy is my career.

• What type of comedy do you do?

I would like to think I am versatile with my funnies, but mostly it consists of anecdote comedy (storytelling), witty humour (clever wordplay), observational humour (everyday situations) and the occasional dark humour.

• What qualities do other comedians have that you admire?

I think I am mostly in love with the portrayal of the craft.

I love an animated comedian, as well as a strong rhythm supporting a great delivery.

These two elements can make any story a very funny one.

• Is there any advice you would give to a person starting out in comedy?

Perform, die, rewrite and get back up.

• Where do you hope to go from here and what are your plans for the future?

I am in the progress of writing my first one-woman show, which I am hoping to drop in 2019.

I am hoping to get myself into more radio-related avenues as it has always been a passion of mine as a musician as well.

• What’s a great book you’ve read recently?

Does the YOU magazine count?

• Do you have any hobbies or special interests?

I studied music and photography so I am in love with anything related.

Both can be perceived in different ways, but rarely cause conflict between people.

• What do you feel you have bragging rights to?

The only person I am trying to impress is myself, I have many accolades and I know how hard I had to work to achieve them.

The only thing I want to brag about is knowing I left a crowd in stitches at my show. #Funnyfirst

• Who would play you in the film of your life? Why?

Melissa McCarthy.

I believe she would do an amazing job of portraying my zero-chill attitude.

Also, I look up to Melissa and use her as an influence often.

• What makes you laugh?

Honestly what makes me really laugh out loud are fail videos.

• Where can people get hold of you?

Follow me on social media:

Facebook: Chantal Jax Justice

Twitter: @jaxxjustice

Instagram: @jaxxjustice

* Be sure to tune into the Roger Goode Show on 5FM on September 11 for an interview with Chantal.

You can also watch her live at:

• Goliath and Goliath, September 7.

• The Box, September 9.

• Kitcheners, September 11.

• Parkers Comedy Club, September 13.

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