If you think the Cape Flats are a luxury apartment complex, then the chances are Marc Lottering isn't the comedian for you. He may be playing as part of the London Comedy Festival, but his material is unabashedly South Afrocentric - right down to the smatterings of Afrikaans that form the punchlines to some of his routines.
That said, his Garry Shandlinglike permagrin and quick wits - they talk fast down there - make him engaging company. He tells some stories and sings a couple of funny songs at the piano. He dons costumes to give us a trio of comedy characters arriving at Heathrow, to the delight of the Cape Towners in the crowd - and the bemusement of the Brits.
He has got a couple of routines that will slay 'em anywhere. His parody of nightclub body language makes inspired use of his physicality and vulnerability.
He talks about moving to swanky Ocean View Drive, where the motto is 'don't get involved!'. The disparity between this and his impoverished Cape Flats upbringing is well exploited and easy to grasp.
Much of this show will befuddle a London audience. But if you've ever been down to Pick'n'Pay when you're all out of Rama, add at least one star to the rating above. Dominic Maxwell
Until Sat, Soho Theatre And Writers Centre, 21 Dean Street W1, 9pm, Sat mat 4pm, £12 to £15, £10 to £12.50 concs (Sat mat limited
availability). Tel: 020 7478 0100. www.sohotheatre.com Tube: Tottenham Court Road/ Piccadilly Circus
