
Quintessential South African Comedy Giant “The Cousin”
Thirty years of touring, six children, two ex-wives, a new wife, six DVDS, two movies, Vegas, Cleese, Connolly, millions of air miles and a Lifetime Achiever statue on his mantelpiece…. If Barry Hilton isn’t the quintessential South African comedy giant, no one is.
Forged in the fire of the global comedy circuit from London to Hong Kong, this versatile and dynamic comedy icon works the room with magnetic charm and infectious ease. His deft timing and tap-dancing mind leave any crowd thrilled that they came, regardless of their own background.
After what can only be described as one of the most successful careers in South African stand-up history, Hilton shows no sign of slowing down.
In 2013 he became the first South African to perform at the prestigious Harrah’s Improv in Las Vegas.
2014 saw the “cousin”, as he is known to a whole nation, do a tour of the UK, open the Hong Kong 2014 Comedy Festival, and slot in some thumping gigs in Singapore and Macau. He more than impressed the famously critical crowd 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 2013. Not bad for a former electrician who just couldn’t help himself from seeing the funny side.
Given the huge scale of his achievements and punishing schedule, Hilton doesn’t seem to age, instead his life experience just provides more fuel for his unique world-view. This seasoned raconteur recently shot the lights out with a sold-out 4200-seat arena show – something no other local comic has ever achieved.
In true Barry fashion, he followed that up with a phenomenal sold-out two-hour performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House in 2016. Hilton describes this performance as a career highlight, while ex-patriot South Africans and Australians alike gave rave reviews, including the accolades: “Stellar…” “… first class” and “thoroughly entertaining…”
With sets that are never vulgar, malicious nor mean of spirit, but always funny – Barry is known to several generations as a gentleman comic and a master craftsman with flawless timing, an unpredictable hairline and a gaze that doesn’t miss a thing.
Many people may not believe that their favourite funnyman is also a fine dramatic actor – he’s cut his teeth on some meaty film roles, like Lenny, in “Finding Lenny” where his soulful blend of humour and deep empathy make for meaningful scenes.
Corporate entertainer, award-winning stand-up comic, movie star, motivational speaker and actor, talk show host and the face of Savanna Cider and Roman’s Pizza. There is little ground left in the media that Barry hasn’t conquered.
His genuinely funny bones, his uncanny ability to gauge a crowd, his firm stance on working clean, and his unflinching work ethic make Barry Hilton an institution that has stood the testament of time and continues to impress as he breaks new ground and makes ‘em laugh all over the world.
Some INTERNATIONAL REVIEWS:
London
“Hilarious, we hope he comes back soon. Barry attracts more British audience members than any other international comedian.”
– Pamela Doran of London’s Clapham Grand
Sydney, Australia
“Barry Hilton must be the funniest comedian to have ever come out of South Africa and he is set to be one of the big comedy names in Australia and everywhere else that he is now working,”
– Graeme Gillies, Owner Grayboy Entertainment, Sydney
Hong Kong
“My friends and colleagues all enjoyed Barry’s show so very much. We have a group of friends from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, so it was surprising that the content of Barry’s performance appealed to everyone at one level or another. It would be my experience, that the show has an ‘international’ flavour and you ‘don’t have to be South African’ to appreciate the humour and the context of the comedy. As a professional woman I was also pleased that the content was funny without being crass or vulgar in anyway. I thought Barry showed outstanding talent and was entertaining to an audience of mixed age, profession and culture. I am happy to provide this letter of recommendation”
– Gina McLellan – Director Australian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong and Macau
Doha and Dubai
We just want to thank you for coming to the Middle East and absolutely rocking both Doha and Dubai. We have had so many compliments about the show I don’t know where to begin. The Laughter factory is delighted with the response. Our Aussie, USA and British members loved your comedy and we are already getting lots of requests for your return visit. Our diary is always open for you. Please don’t be a stranger. Love and best wishes.”
– Gail Clough Owner of The Laughter Factory Dubai
Informa Telecoms and Media Awards
As a leading UK-based events company organizing conventions around the world, we have used the services of Barry Hilton twice to host our industry Awards evenings in Cape Town. His humour has kept our combined international and local audience very entertained and his ability to then instill the required decorum to reflect the gravitas of the Awards that he then introduced was right on the button. He was funny and then respectful which was just the balance we were looking for. Barry did a great job for us.
– Ian Hemming CEO Informa Telecoms & Media
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