The festive season is upon us. Lazy days, slowing down, relaxing, spending time with loved ones- be it cold or sunny, depending on where you might find yourself on the globe. Who better than South African comedian Anne Hirsch to answer some happy questions?
Anne has won a SAFTA for Best Comedy Writing for ZANEWS and was included in the Mail & Guardian’s list of Top 200 Young South Africans. She was crowned one of Glamour Magazine’s Women of the Year and one of Cosmopolitan’s Awesome Women.
She regularly hosts top events and co-hosts The Great South African Bake Off on BBC Lifestyle (gets to eat her cake too!) “The Anne Hirsch Show is South Africa’s number one(s) talk show on YouTube interviewing some of South Africa’s top celebrities, like Helen Zille, Gareth Cliff, Jack Parow, Marc Lottering, Kren Zoid, Anele Mdoda and Zelda La Grange . The show set a new benchmark in South African online media production in terms of technical quality and content #Winning.”
The Anne Hirsch Radio Show, a version of the online show, was nominated for an MTN Radio Award for Best Night Time show in 2013. #NotWinningButNominated Anne to us you are #WinningGoingforGold. So here goes.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a comedian, actor, writer and content director, often compared to Angelina Jolie…by myself.
What do you like about the December holidays?
The forced fun. Whether you like it or, you are required to have fun over this period (or at least pretend that you do) and there’s something nice about everyone being on board with that. Whether it’s a family Christmas lunch, a braai (South African version of a barbecue) at the in-laws or a New Year’s party that you’ve been planning since October – the pressure is on, so you better enjoy it!
What are some of your favourite customs, old and new?
I love a traditional Christmas lunch with turkey, ham, roast potatoes and all the bells and whistles. My family always gets a real Christmas tree, which is inevitably a last minute rush to find and then of course the damn thing stays up until at least end of January.
Do you find the comedy gigs increase during this time or is this more of a slow-down period?
The end of year is a busy time for corporate functions and end-of-year events, a great time for any MC. But over Christmas itself, it slows right down, which is a great excuse to relax.
What would be your favourite gig to do?
Is there a spot open co-hosting The Daily Show with Trevor Noah? Trevor, if you’re reading this (of course you are), please call me; I’m totally available, especially over the December period, happy to pencil you in.
From Cape Town, South Africa
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