We’ve all had our fair share of bad dates. But when it comes to the worst of them, few can beat the experiences of poor Buyi Dube in the new film Looking for Love by Nigerian-born filmmaker Adze Ugah, which portrays some of the perils of the local dating scene for women who are almost 40.

Looking for Love stars Celeste Ntuli, one of South Africa’s favourite actors and comedians, in the role of ’38 and single’ Buyi. She is an often inappropriate workaholic who is under pressure to find love. Also featuring in the star-studded cast are Trevor Gumbi, Lillian Dube and Phindile Gwala.

Adze Ugah says the idea for the film originated two years ago, after a conversation he had with Celeste Ntuli about doing a movie, loosely based on her life and her journey to becoming a stand-up comedian. The raw thoughts were put into an outline that went to writer Chinaka Iwunze, who turned it into a script.

“What’s unique about the film is that it’s an adult comedy, which we believe is a first for SA cinemas,” Ugah says. “It tells the story of an average South African girl who is doing her best to get by and has no choice but to use her wits to navigate the complex maze of relationships, while also figuring out a career path. Traditionally, films of this nature feature a female lead with attributes that make her extremely desirable, but our character is stripped bare of that. She could easily be someone we meet on the street.”

The story begins with a disastrous drunken display at her younger sister’s wedding. Buyi has her parents worried that she’s wasting her life working at meaningless jobs. They insist that she takes her head out of the clouds and focus on finding herself a good man and settling down. Goofing around was fine at 20, even 30, they insist, but Buyi’s almost 40.

Buyi is absolutely gutted. She returns to Jozi from KwaZulu-Natal feeling deflated about her love life. Where the hell is a ‘heavier-set’, black woman, going to find a man in South Africa? Desperate, Buyi reluctantly allows her beautiful, sexy, best friend Lindi, played by Phindile Gwala, to help find her a man from her multitudinous collection.

Following a series of catastrophic dates – including questionable concoctions, a quirky magician with a cat obsession, and a sex addict, who can’t get enough of a big butt – Buyi quickly loses hope of finding her match. Meanwhile, Greg, played by Trevor Gumbi, an old schoolmate from Buyi’s past who is in love with her, comes to town with the aim of becoming her manager and turning her into a star comedian. But Buyi’s on a mission to find a man, and besides, she’s not funny! Or is she?

This entertaining, heart-warming story of acceptance and hope follows one woman on her journey to learning that the path to finding Mr. Right begins with finding herself first.

Looking for Love opens at cinemas nationwide on 31 August 2018.

The post Looking For Love appeared first on Stage and Screen.

In medieval times, a jester was employed by a nobleman or monarch to entertain him and his guests.  The heavyweights of South African comedy are by no means jesters, but they certainly do entertain…

Shining their comical armour and sharpening their witty swords for the night, the stellar line-up of comedy giants includes Joey Rasdien (MC), Khanyisa Bunu, Krijay Govender, Mark Banks, Mpho Popps, Muthu Murugan, Ndumiso Lindi, Rob van Vuuren, Tracey-Lee Oliver, Trevor Gumbi and Tumi Morake.

Leading the pack, Joey Rasdien takes the role of MC for this royal affair.  Instantly recognisable, his endearing stage persona is intellectually absurd, physically hysterical and thought-provoking.

Teacher-turned-comedienne/actress, Khanyisa Bunu is a fan favourite.  She was the first woman to win the audience choice award at the Comics’ Choice Awards and has also made her mark on SA TV with roles in Scandal! and Ses’Top La.

The dynamic Krijay Govender is one of the funniest woman in South Africa.  A stand-up comic, award-winning actress, playwright and director, she is a rare mix of brains, beauty and creativity.

With over 25 years in the industry, Mark Banks is one of the most respected comedians in the country.  He is widely recognised for his political satire and commonplace poke at the rich and famous, nothing and no-one is sacred to Mark’s blatant humour.

Mpho Popps has a reputation for enthralling audiences.  With a unique style all of his own, his tempting stage personality, hilarious social commentary and high-energy impersonations has had thousands of South Africans in stitches.

Known as the ‘King of Indian Comedy’, Muthu Murugan has been wowing audiences for many years.  Sharp-tongued and witty, Muthu will bring some Durban flavour to Johannesburg.

Ndumiso Lindi has come a long way from Zwelitsha, a small township in the Eastern Cape.  He is a brilliant young comic who is genuinely funny and his humour will appeal to fans across the demographic.

A household name in South Africa, Rob van Vuuren became a comedian by mistake while he was trying to be an actor.  A natural funnyman, he has established himself as one of the most prolific players in the entertainment scene – as an actor, writer, director, dancer and producer and has earned himself a very loyal following.

Tracey-Lee Oliver is a powerhouse singer, comedian and actress.  While she is no stranger to the stage, her move to musical comedy has taken her to another level.

While outspoken and sometimes controversial, Trevor Gumbi is a firm favourite in the comedy scene.  His underlying charm offsets his assertive energy on stage, as he brings to the stage some politically uncomfortable issues and delivers them with hilarity.

Tumi Morake’s impressive resume includes radio host, presenter, TV show host, brand ambassador, actress and ‘Queen of Comedy’ – her unique ability to deliver all the laughs and right punches has become synonymous with what fans have come to expect from this clever, witty and hilarious comedian.

Don’t miss the Kings & Queens of Comedy, 21 July 2017 at the Pavilion at the Sandton Convention Centre.  The show is rated PG16 and starts at 20h00.  Tickets from R185 and are available through Computicket.

The post Kings and Queens of Comedy appeared first on Stage and Screen.