Daniel Dercksen shares a few thoughts with Stuart Taylor, whose LEARNER HUSBAND has been touring the country

Stuart Taylor is probably best known to South Africans as the presenter of SABC 3's hit travel show, Going Nowhere Slowly. But when this Stellenbosch University science graduate is not in front of the camera with mud-powdered face and wind-styled hair, Taylor is enchanting local and international audiences with his headline, stand-up comedy and magic shows. 
His award-winning formula of a meticulous fusion of comedy and magic earned him recognition as South Africa's Comedy Magic Champion, a title he held for three years. After ditching his microscope and lab coat, Taylor's delightful potion of enigmatic entertainment has mesmerised audiences from theatres to boardrooms across South Africa, performing for many of the country's top companies.
Taylor's uncanny ability to cast spells of unbridled laughter on virtually any audience, earned him the adoration of critics and fans for his performances at the Pleasance Dome at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Berlin International Comedy Festival and his sold-out comedy-magic theatre productions throughout South Africa.
His most recent theatre production Techni-Coloured has played to critical acclaim across the country from the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town to the Market Theatre in Johannesburg as well as 2 successful runs at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Along the way Techni-Coloured has scooped some amazing reviews and awards, winning the prestigious Overall Best Comedy award at the National Arts Festival (2008) and the Show Time award (2007) for the best solo performance. 
Critics describe his work as, "Classy style, laid back super professional presentation" - Cape Times, "…great observations from a new perspective" - Cape Argus, "Skreeu Snaaks!" - Die Burger, "Entertainment with a capital E" - Cape Argus "Taylor Made for Laughs" - The Star. "Be warned, you will not leave the theatre the same way that you entered… you will be hurting of all the laughing" - Citizen Metro. "Un-missable" Sunday Times

You have evolved from the 'Devil' to a Learner Husband.. Was this intentional?
Devil? - If you recall correctly, I also had angel wings in that pic. But I guess people only remember the bad LOL. I would have to say though that I have evolved. "Techni-Coloured" was about finding my on voice and "Learner Husband" is about expressing personal views. I guess the style of comedy builds on that of "techni-Coloured"

How will you define your style of comedy and what do you think makes it unique?
I try to be as honest as possible in my comedy... drawing on my own experience. I find that things are universal in the specifics.

What do you think makes a potential 'Learner Husband'?
Any man is a learner husband… In my show though you only get your "L" when you admit you have no idea what you doing… That makes it sound like re-hab for husbands  LOL

What do Learner Husband get who know what they doing?
I guess that would make this like a "brush-up" course for them. I refer to us as "Learner's" though because there is always something to be learnt.

What do you think you can teach Learner Husbands that will make their wives happy?
If husbands apply what they hear at the show… their wives will be extremely happy - trust me… we gonna revolutionise the way husbands work!

Do you still regard yourself as a Learner Husband?
You never stop being a learner husband - I wear my "L" with pride.

Do you think husbands will ever learn?
Absolutely… if you communicate it to us in a way we find interesting - Don't give me a 300 page book… give me comedy, a diagram and a 4 step plan I can understand.

Communication is important in your life?
In my life or in my marriage? - In my life cos that's what I do for a living... In my marriage cos it's what makes a healthy relationship.

I am sure that wives will also be able to learn something?
If the wives think that this show is back to school for husbands while they get to sit back and watch… they in for a BIG surprise.

Do you agree that laughter heals? Your views?
Laughter is the BEST medicine… unless you are diabetic… then I suggest you stick to insulin.

What makes you laugh?
We have so many great South African comedians… Julius Malema springs to mind.

Where did it all start for you? That first moment that you knew that you were funny and had the gift of comedy?
Thank goodness you didn't ask "Were you born funny?" -  or I would have answered "No - cesarian". I'm a "College of Magic" graduate.., so I've been performing since I was 12 years old… somewhere along the line people thought my magic was funny… eventually I dropped the tricks and stuck to the comedy.I'm sure I inherited ALL my genes from my parents. Seriously though I grew up in a house filled with joking and laughter... maybe that contributed.

Who is the real Stuart when not in front of a camera or on stage?
When I'm not working or thinking about work I'm… asleep. I guess that makes the "Real" Stuart a sleep-a-holic. - is that even a word?

Future plans?
Over the next 2 years we gonna tour with "Learner Husband" - take the brand both national and perhaps even abroad. - watch this space for details.

Is there a follow-up to Learner Husband?
We keeping this brand going for the next 20 years... look out for "Learner DAD" next.

Any comments on the show you would like to share with readers?
If you single, married, dating or engaged… this is compulsory comedy.

What about the divorced?
All welcome, I suggest they sit far back just incase they get picked on LOL

READ MORE ABOUT LEARNER HUSBAND AT MONTECASINO

Visit the website: www.stuarttaylor.co.za

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