Italian comedian sizzles in the city

POLOKWANE comedy fans were in for a treat with the arrival of stand-up comedian, Vittorio Leonardi, in the city.

This comedian, who hails from the Free State, studied drama at the Tshwane University of Technology and said he wants to nurture his career in stand-up comedy.

Express spoke to Vittorio last Wednessday after his show at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World.

Tell us more about yourself.

I am a South African male, born to Italian parents. I grew up in Welkom, in the Free State. I still haven’t discovered why my parents thought that the Free State would be the ideal place to raise an Italian child.

How did you become a comedian?

I was always a bit of a clown. As a child, I was always listening to Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor tapes, memorising them and then repeating them to my family and friends, much to the annoyance of their parents.

I liked to think that I was the one to teach my friends to swear.

While studying drama, a fellow student, Brendan Berg, who was doing stand-up comedy at the time, asked me if I wanted to try doing a five minute spot at The Funny Farm at the Randburg Waterfront.

What do you love the most about your job?

It would have to be that I can call stand-up comedy my job.

It’s amazingly fun for me to get to go on stage and talk with people about everyday things or big issues and feel a crowd roar because they are on my side.

Which comedian did you look up to when you were growing up?

My first influences were Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor. Later on, the stable expanded to include Billy Connolly, Bill Hicks and George Carlin.

What does your job entail as a comedian?

First Job: Be funny. Second Job: Tell the truth, especially if it’s an uncomfortable truth.

As comedians, we do have a social responsibility to talk about issues that are usually taboo.

We give a voice to the people and say things that some people are thinking but can’t say.

Are you in a relationship?

Yes.

I have been dating a lovely lady for about a year and half now and she hasn’t yet filed a restraining order, so I reckon it must be love.

Do you have any children?

None that I know of. Besides, what happens on tour stays on tour.

Your favourite music?

Any music that allows angry kids to scream out their frustration at a world that they claim doesn’t understand them

Which book are you currently reading?

The Bourne Legacy by Eric Lustbader,

Your favourite car?

On the road: Ford V8 Eliminator. Off-road: M1 Abrahams Tank.

Your favourite perfume?

Hugo Boss Energize

Your understanding of a hunk?

Anyone that ladies lose their powers of speech near.

Your favourite movie?

Highlander or Big Trouble in Little China.

Your favourite holiday destination?

The Ice Hotel in Sweden.

Your favourite sport?

WWE Wrestling, I’ve been a fan since I was eight.

What’s your take on women who wear make-up?

All make-up should look natural, if you look like a raccoon, you have failed, ladies.

If you look like a ghoul, you shouldn’t be surprised if vampires follow you home.

Your take on young people who use drugs?

It’s going to happen and rather have it happen in a controlled situation that their parents know about than in a club or in secret.

Besides being a comedian, what else do you do?

I am a scriptwriter for SABC1’s The Real Goboza.

Along with my co-writer, Nqoba Ngcobo, I have the honour of making Phat Joe and Pearl Thusi sound smart and funny.

Where do you get your material from?

True stuff are always the funniest stuff and my material comes from life and shared experiences.