Barry Hilton

Based in the Western Cape, Barry has a track record of over 30 years in comedy. His delightful knack of finding the ludicrous and the humorous turns daily situations on their head and allows every type of audience to laugh at our own lives.

His face is as funny as his repartee, with a face that was tailor-made for mirth. Barry’s gregarious personality makes him a people’s person, happy to engage with the audience before and after his shows.

Barry is a seasoned comedian who’s as streetwise as any youngster. He’s remained at the top by continually coming up with fresh material – and by having six children to keep him hip and happening.

His act is intelligent, observational, impeccably-timed and never crude, sexist or racist. Just enormously funny.

That universal appeal, coupled with a rigorous apprenticeship on the comedy circuit alongside such international giants as John Cleese, Billy Connolly and Bob Monkhouse, gives him a professionalism welcomed by any comedy club or corporation.

Barry has become a national icon in a country where a new generation of comics has found its voice. In 2013 the industry paid tribute to Barry with a “Lifetime Achiever Award”, presented at the Annual Comics’ Choice Awards.

His popularity extends far further, however. In 2013 he became the first South African to perform at the prestigious Harrah’s Improv at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, headlining four shows. He has also played to packed houses in Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau and Shanghai.

He’s also delighted the notoriously tough crowds in London’s Clapham Grand and his hilarious performances in Dubai saw him shortlisted alongside John Cleese for ‘the Best Comedy Act’ in Dubai’s “Timeout Nightlife Awards” in 2013.

When not filling-up his passport, he is a corporate entertainer, motivational speaker and actor. He has starred in two movies, produced five stand-up comedy DVDs, hosted TV talk shows and featured in numerous TV commercials, most memorably as the face of Savanna Cider for more than a dozen hugely-popular adverts.

His universal appeal has created a global fan base through tours taking in America, Hong Kong, London, Ireland, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, Africa and even at sea on international cruise liners, highlighting his ability to cut through all boundaries and appeal to any nationality, race or age.

He was the first South African to perform at London’s Comedy Store in 2001, and 10 years later the first to perform at Sydney Comedy Store. He fills 4,000-seat theatres with his solo shows, yet is just as adept at adding comic class to corporate events as the Master of Ceremonies or the headline act.

Barry is not only one of the most experienced and versatile comedians around, he’s also one of the funniest.

Three decades on stage, coupled with six kids, two ex-wives, a new wife, a few dogs, a penchant for fishing and a lifetime of living in a crazy, beautiful country have given Barry a lifetime of laughter-inducing experience.

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