Lottering is currently touring with fellow comedian Alfred Adrian, performing across Australia and New Zealand.
South Africans often make fun of their compatriots who migrate to Australia in search of a better life, but if there was ever a time to be a South African in Australia, it's probably this week.
South African comedian Mark Lottering happened to be in Australia at the same time that the Springboks were in town to play two Rugby Championship matches against Australia, and South African Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Dricus du Plessis was defending his middleweight title against Israel Adesanya.
“It's pure coincidence that I'm here with Dricus and Bocche! Champions attract champions, I guess,” Lottering said. The Citizen.
“There are a lot of South Africans living here. It's not safe to skin them. [gossip] Out of nowhere in Afrikaans! Someone comes up to you when you least expect it and says, “Oh, brother!”
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Touring
The veteran entertainer is currently touring Australia with fellow comedian Alfred Adrian.
“A few months ago, Alfred called me to inquire about a collaboration. He was on his second drink when he called. I don't think he expected me to say yes!”
They performed their first show in Perth earlier this week, with another show in Sydney a few days later, and will finish their Australian stay next week with shows in Melbourne and Brisbane before flying out to New Zealand.
“We kicked off two days ago at the Regal Theatre in Perth and it was amazing! There were some Siya and Springbok players in the crowd so of course it was magical,” Lottering declared.
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Support from afar
Next up on their trip is Sydney, meaning they will miss the highly anticipated clash between du Plessis and Adesanya in Perth, as well as the second match between the Boks and Wallabies.
“Unfortunately we're in Sydney at the moment so we can't go to the match or the game, but we'll find a fun bar in SA and watch it from there.”
This won't be Lottering's first time performing in Australia and New Zealand – he's toured both countries a number of times before – but he's getting wiser with age.
“It's always good to be back,” Lottering said.
“I partied a lot while I was here too, but I've wised up now and prefer to do things that I'll remember next week. Plus, partying literally destroys the credibility of South Africans. I learned that the hard way.”
But he admits that Asian food in Australia is his weakness: “When I'm in Australia I eat a lot of it, especially Asian food. [I’m] I'm spoilt for choice here.”
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