MEDIA: Interview with Al featured in People Magazine

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live? Are you married? Where did you grow up? children? etc etc.

I was working in the corporate sector, because I really believed in the paycheque. Anyway, I had to be very upbeat and professional for clients and, the more I tried, the more a cynical side of my psyche emerged. I wrote that edgy stuff down and started performing it as stand-up comedy. My first solo show was at the Grahamstown Festival Fringe, or more accurately in my case, the festival Receding Hairline
 

How would you describe your comedy?

I talk about life as I see it, from my personal screwball viewpoint. I like to touch on topics you think you already know and maybe persuade you to take a fresh look from a slightly more playful angle. My show is “adult” but that’s not a euphemism for sex. Besides, I think having a home loan is much more adult than having sex. I’mmischievous and subversive, but just don’t come expecting a strip show. Having seen my photo, I’m sure you’re immensely relieved.

I believe stand-up comedy is an effective and immediate tool for nation building in SA, and that it can be useful in breaking down racial and cultural stereotypes

 What have been the highlights of your career so far?

I represented South Africa in the international stand up comedy competition, “YUKSYUKS GREAT CANADIAN LAUGH OFF”. From 4000 entrants, I won my heat in Toronto and reached the final round of 8 contestants.

I’ve also been privileged to do my Proudly South African comedy in London, Dubai, Seychelles and in African countries such as Namibia, Zambia and Uganda.

What might South Africans recognise you from?

On TV I played the role of Maxime in the massive South African soapy, Generations. Then I had a short stint as a homicidal maniac on Isidingo.

Do you have any projects coming up in the near future? A show in the pipeline? A Dvd on the market? where can people see you perform? and how do they get ahold of you?

 You can find a list of all my live comedy performances on my website www.alprodgers.co.za where you can download sound and video clips FREE, view pictures and read my regular funny blog updates.

Also available is my full length DVD called “Of Course I’ll Still Respect You in the Morning” which is yours for R110 including postage and packaging in South Africa.