Comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout had audiences in stitches during his two sold-out performances at Ashton International College Ballito last week.

Fresh off successful tours across Europe, the UK and Australia, Bezuidenhout brought his latest show, HEY HEY DIVORCÉ, to Ashton’s Grace Hall on May 12 and 13.

Bezuidenhout said many locals are reluctant to travel to Durban for live shows, which inspired him to bring the performance directly to his adopted hometown.

What was initially planned as a single performance quickly expanded into a two-night run due to overwhelming demand. Such was the appetite for live comedy – and Bezuidenhout’s enduring popularity – that an additional 50 seats were added per show, pushing capacity to about 750 attendees each night.

The 34-year-old grew up in Kempton Park and began his stand-up career in 2011. He relocated to the North Coast with his now ex-wife in 2022, shortly after their marriage.

His Ballito performances explored the quirks of local life, from lampooning estate living and social hierarchies to poking fun at estate agents.

At its core, however, HEY HEY DIVORCÉ offered a more personal and reflective narrative. The show unpacked Bezuidenhout’s experience of divorce, tackling the stigma and emotional complexities surrounding it.

Poignant moments were woven together with absurd anecdotes, culminating in punchlines that sparked roaring laughter.

“It was amazing, but I was very nervous,” said Bezuidenhout after Tuesday evening’s debut performance.
He added, with characteristic humour, that despite being well known in Ballito, he recognised only a handful of faces.

“I knew probably five people in the audience – people from my bowls club who came, which I really appreciated.”

Following his Ballito success, Bezuidenhout will take HEY HEY DIVORCÉ to Durban before embarking on a nationwide tour running through to October.

The tour will also include an international stop at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland this August.