SCHALK Bezuidenhout, an ex-pupil of Hoërskool Jeugland, is one of the acts at this year’s 10th Jive Cape Town Funny Festival.
This stand up comedy show, which will run until June 22, will see him alongside big names on the South African comedy circuit like Marc Lottering, Nik Rabinowitz, Riaad Moosa and Trevor Noah.
Shaleen Surtie-Richards is the host and some international artists will also perform.
Bezuidenhout is currently a student at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He initially applied for the theatre and performance course but did not get in. He started studying BA general with drama as major.
This year he decided to do stand up comedy and found his passion. He was also accepted for the theatre and performance course but is thankful for the year he spent on his BA, calling it a “blessing in disguise”, as he got into stand up comedy during that year.
Bezuidenhout, who has always been a funny guy and seen the funny side of life, says being Afrikaans is a big part of his act and he uses it, although he caters for all audiences.
In his matric year in 2010 he won the Ekurhuleni district award as for best cultural achievement.
He has performed all over the country and shared the stage with many comedians. Some of his performances and achievements include Live @ 5 on 5fm, the new year’s eve show at Parker’s Comedy Club at Monte Casino with Joe Parker, Al Prodgers and Darren Maule.
He performed on Live @ Parker’s on Comedy Central with Barry Hilton and was also the winner of the Cape Town Graca Comedy Showdown 2012.
He also performed at the CT Nando’s Comedy Festival at The Artscape Opera House.
He had audiences reeling with laughter at Blacks Only in 2013 and won the Savanna Newcomer Award at the Comics Choice Awards 2013.
He hopes to perform at even bigger shows like the Cape Town Funny Festival and become internationally known.
