Prominent South African actor, writer, producer, director and drag artist, Clive Allardyce (CA) recently sat down with our own Godfrey J...
Prominent South African actor, writer, producer, director and drag artist, Clive Allardyce (CA) recently sat down with our own Godfrey Johnson (GJ) for a chat.
During the course of the interview, Clive manages (in a way that only he knows how) to shed some light in as far as his famed ‘Lilly Slaptsilly’ persona is concerned, the ‘secret’ to her longevity in the game and of course, what the future has in store for the ‘Mistress of Ceremonies’.
Below is how the brief but illuminating conversation went down…….
GJ: My dear Clive, I have known you for decades and have watched you evolve from a gifted high school boy to a gifted entrepreneur and performer. When did the creative bug first bite?
CA: I was in a school play in std 6 and won the ‘best actor’ award, that was the moment I knew all bets were off for any other career path.
GJ: I see you as an artist with an uncanny satirical eye. What is your definition of satire?
CA: Slight of tongue and clever word play. Sometimes even just a facial expression.
GJ: The creation of a character requires imagination, discipline and hard work. When did ‘Lilly Slaptsilly’ first appear and what is the secret to her longevity?
CA: 1995 was my first performance and I've always found humour to be ageless.
GJ: Does Clive the actor still have influence over what she (Lilly) says?
CA: Absolutely. I've noticed that when Clive tends to get comical I slip into ‘Lillyesque’ mode.
GJ: I am sure there are many career highlights for you, can you name some pivotal, possibly life-changing moments?
CA: Performing in front of over 40 000 folks at the J&B Met years back was mind blowing...overhearing an audience member telling a mate that this is her 11th show in a row she's attended was such a compliment.
GJ: What is Lilly’s idea of a good date?
CA: The dried ones eaten separately or in a home baked date loaf.
GJ: What is Clive’s idea of a good date?
CA: At home with a crackling fire, listening to the voice and tales of the date.
GJ: Can you name a few of your theatrical/ musical idols and why?
CA: Dawn French who is able to be comical just through her eyes. Melissa McCarthy, her range and physicality is astounding.
GJ: Do you have any words of advice for young artists who would like to pursue a career in the arts?
CA: Don't rely on make-up and wigs, back up your craft with good performance skills.
GJ: Besides your regular shows, what other projects have you currently got brewing?
CA: I'm building my brand to work as a ‘Mistress of Ceremonies’ and MC. Expanding my stand-up show to take on the road, Durban being my 1st stop in October. Launching a new lip-synch show in November called ‘Suck My Frock’.
GJ: This is the question I tend to repeat but here it is. “How can you see straight when your imagination is out of focus?”. This is my favourite quote by Mark Twain. How do you keep your imagination in focus?
CA: I get into my head and visualize me being in the audience and that snaps my imagination and content into focus.
GJ: Please tell us where we can find you in August and September?
CA: Craft Burger Bar every Wednesday eve in the CBD.
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