Marc Eugene Lottering (born 4 December 1967) is a South African stand-up comedian, actor, and playwright who has become one of the country’s most celebrated entertainers. Born in Cape Town and raised in the Retreat townships of the Cape Flats, Lottering has established himself as a pioneering voice in South African comedy with over two decades of exceptional career achievements.
Early Life and Background
Marc Eugene Lottering was born on 4 December 1967 in Cape Town, South Africa. He grew up in the Retreat townships of the Cape Flats, an experience that would profoundly shape his comedic voice and provide rich material for his future performances. The Cape Flats community, with its unique culture, challenges, and resilience, became a central theme in much of his work.
Growing up in this vibrant yet challenging environment exposed Lottering to the diverse characters, languages, and situations that would later become the foundation of his comedy. His upbringing in the townships gave him an authentic perspective on South African life that would resonate with audiences across racial and cultural divides.
Education and Early Career
Lottering pursued higher education at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he studied law. While studying law at UCT, Marc had a part-time job selling sweets and other confectionery items. This experience in sales and interacting with people from all walks of life further developed his understanding of human nature and comedy timing.
Despite his legal education, Lottering’s passion for performance and comedy ultimately led him away from the traditional career path that his degree would have provided. His decision to pursue entertainment over law proved to be pivotal in shaping South African comedy.
Comedy Career Breakthrough
Cape Comedy Collective
Marc was a founding member of the Cape Comedy Collective, an important organization in the development of South African comedy. This collective provided a platform for emerging comedians and helped establish comedy as a legitimate art form in post-apartheid South Africa.
His involvement with the Cape Comedy Collective allowed him to hone his craft alongside other talented performers and contributed to the growth of the South African comedy scene during its formative years.
“After the Beep” (1997)
Lottering’s breakthrough came in 1997 with his first one-person show, “After the Beep,” which established him as a relatable voice for everyday South Africans. This debut show demonstrated his ability to find humor in the mundane aspects of daily life while addressing broader social issues with wit and insight.
“After the Beep” marked the beginning of what would become a prolific career in solo performance, setting the template for his future success as a one-man show creator and performer.
Major Career Achievements and Awards
Theatre Awards and Recognition
Lottering has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career:
Fleur du Cap Awards
- Two Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards for his outstanding contributions to theatre
- These awards recognize excellence in Cape Town theatre and represent some of the most prestigious honors in South African performance
Vita Award
- 2001: Won the Vita Award for Best Actor in a Comedy
- This national recognition established him as one of South Africa’s premier comedy performers
Naledi Award
- One Naledi Award for his exceptional work in Johannesburg theatre
- The Naledi Awards are among the most respected theatre honors in South Africa
Hall of Fame Recognition
In 2024, Lottering was inducted into the South African Comedy Hall of Fame, a recognition of his exceptional contribution to South African comedy over more than two decades. This honor places him among the most influential comedy figures in the country’s entertainment history.
The Hall of Fame induction recognized his creation of three critically acclaimed musicals and over 20 hilarious one-man shows, demonstrating his prolific output and consistent quality.
Solo Shows and Theatre Productions
Extensive One-Man Show Portfolio
Lottering has written and performed no fewer than 16 one-man shows for the stage, demonstrating remarkable creativity and stamina as a solo performer. These shows have earned him critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing him as one of South Africa’s most successful comedy entertainers.
His ability to create new material consistently while maintaining high quality has set him apart in the competitive world of stand-up comedy and solo performance.
The Aunty Merle Musical Trilogy
Aunty Merle the Musical (2017)
In 2017, Lottering staged a musical with a full ensemble and original music called “Aunty Merle the Musical.” The show ran for three sold-out seasons in Cape Town and opened for a season in Johannesburg in 2019, which was well received by audiences and critics alike.
Aunty Merle It’s a Girl (Sequel)
Building on the success of the original, Lottering created a sequel that continued the story and maintained the high standards set by the first production.
Aunty Merle Things Get Real (Third Installment)
The trilogy was completed with this third installment, cementing the Aunty Merle franchise as one of South African theatre’s most successful comedy properties.
These three critically acclaimed musicals demonstrate Lottering’s versatility as not just a performer but also as a writer, composer, and creative director capable of managing large-scale theatrical productions.
Television and Media Career
Television Presence
Lottering has extensive experience in television, appearing in various comedy shows and presenting programs. Marc has also presented a popular TV reality show, though he maintains his primary focus on live performance and theatre.
His television work has helped expand his audience beyond theatre-goers and introduced his comedy to South African households nationwide.
Film and Acting
In addition to his comedy career, Lottering has worked as a film and TV comedy actor, demonstrating his versatility as a performer across different entertainment mediums.
International Recognition and Tours
Global Performances
Lottering’s success extends beyond South Africa’s borders. In 2010, he was part of the “Bafunny Bafunny” show at the Royal Albert Hall in London, one of the world’s most prestigious venues. This performance marked a significant milestone in his international career.
International Tours
Lottering has performed internationally, entertaining homesick South Africans and introducing international audiences to South African humor. His tours have taken him to various countries, including recent performances in East London, UK, and upcoming tours to Australia.
These international appearances have helped establish South African comedy on the global stage and demonstrated the universal appeal of Lottering’s humor.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
In 2010, Lottering married his partner of ten years, Anwar McKay. Their relationship and marriage represent an important aspect of LGBTQ+ representation in South African entertainment, and Lottering has been open about his personal life while maintaining focus on his professional achievements.
Personal Philosophy
Marc says his main ambition in life is to “rise to the top in the face of serious hair problems,” demonstrating the self-deprecating humor that characterizes much of his comedy and public persona.
Comedy Style and Cultural Impact
Authentic South African Voice
Lottering’s comedy draws heavily from his Cape Flats upbringing, creating authentic portrayals of South African characters and situations that resonate across cultural boundaries. His ability to capture the nuances of different South African communities and accents has made him particularly beloved among diverse audiences.
Social Commentary
Through his comedy, Lottering addresses social issues, cultural changes, and the complexities of South African life with humor and insight. His work often serves as social commentary while remaining entertaining and accessible.
Language and Characterization
His mastery of different South African accents, languages, and cultural references allows him to create vivid characters that audiences immediately recognize and connect with.
Business and Entrepreneurial Success
Independent Productions
Lottering has successfully managed his career as an independent performer, producing and staging his own shows rather than relying solely on external producers. This approach has given him creative control and financial benefits from his successful productions.
Touring and Live Performance
His ability to sell out multiple seasons of shows demonstrates strong business acumen and understanding of the entertainment market.
Environmental and Social Advocacy
WildAid Ambassador
Lottering serves as an ambassador for WildAid, an environmental organization focused on wildlife conservation. This role demonstrates his commitment to using his platform for important causes beyond entertainment.
Community Engagement
Through his performances and public presence, Lottering maintains connections to his community roots and uses his success to highlight important social issues.
Net Worth and Financial Success
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, Lottering’s successful career spanning over two decades, including sold-out theatre runs, television work, and international performances, has provided him with substantial financial success. His ability to consistently produce profitable entertainment ventures demonstrates both artistic and business success.
Multiple Revenue Streams
His income comes from various sources:
- Live performance ticket sales
- Television appearances and presenting work
- International touring
- Musical productions and royalties
- Speaking engagements and corporate events
Legacy and Industry Impact
Pioneering Role in South African Comedy
Lottering’s career spans the critical period of South African comedy’s development from the 1990s to the present, making him both a witness to and architect of the industry’s growth.
Mentorship and Industry Development
As a founding member of the Cape Comedy Collective and through his ongoing work, Lottering has contributed to the development of South African comedy as an industry and art form.
Cultural Preservation
His work preserves and celebrates South African culture, particularly Cape Flats culture, ensuring that these stories and perspectives remain part of the national conversation.
Current Projects and Future Outlook
Ongoing Tours
Lottering continues to tour internationally and domestically with his latest shows, including “Marc Eugene Lottering,” which has received critical acclaim and continues to attract sold-out audiences.
Teaching and Skill Development
Lottering also works as a Storytelling and Comedy Class Instructor, sharing his expertise with aspiring comedians and performers through platforms like MyMastery, ensuring his knowledge and techniques are passed on to future generations.
Awards Summary
Throughout his distinguished career, Marc Lottering has received:
- Two Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards
- One Vita Award for Best Actor in a Comedy (2001)
- One Naledi Award
- Multiple award nominations
- South African Comedy Hall of Fame Induction (2024)
Conclusion
Marc Eugene Lottering stands as one of South Africa’s most accomplished and beloved entertainers. From his humble beginnings in the Cape Flats to his recognition as a comedy legend and Hall of Fame inductee, his career represents the potential for authentic South African stories to achieve both local and international success.
His prolific output of 16 one-man shows, three successful musicals, numerous awards, and over two decades of consistent performance demonstrate not just talent but also dedication, professionalism, and business acumen. His work has entertained millions while preserving and celebrating South African culture.
Lottering’s influence extends beyond entertainment to include social commentary, environmental advocacy, and the development of South African comedy as an industry. His success has paved the way for future generations of South African comedians and demonstrated the universal appeal of authentic, culturally-rooted humor.
As he continues to perform, tour, and teach, Marc Lottering’s legacy as a pioneer, performer, and cultural ambassador continues to grow, ensuring his place as one of South Africa’s most significant entertainment figures.
Marc Lottering continues to be one of South Africa’s most beloved and respected entertainers, representing the country’s comedy heritage while inspiring new generations of performers through his ongoing work and achievements.
