One of the country's best known entertainers, Ian von Memerty, has returned to Cape Town from hi... Captain Entertainment is ba

One of the country's best known entertainers, Ian von Memerty, has returned to Cape Town from his native Johannesburg with his newest show, the audaciously titled and award-winning Captain Entertainment.

It can be seen at Theatre On The Bay from Tuesday until April 21. Donning his bright blue superhero suit, Von Memerty accepted the challenge of answering questions on topics ranging from woodcutting with chainsaws to the dancing jigs of celebrities.

I was sitting on the potty at 18 months trying to sing How Much is That Doggy in the Window?, so the calling came early, if you will excuse the phrase. Although I toyed with other career choices, I always felt that it called me, rather than me making a choice.

In 25 years there are way too many to list. I started out as a rehearsal pianist and have done almost everything theatrical since. Broadly speaking, I think the highlights are being creative and getting paid for it, working with creative, challenging and intelligent people but overall, it's the the extraordinary pleasure of interaction with live audiences that is the cherry on top.

It was my first foray into presenting live television and I think being a director of musicals had prepared me for the multi-tasking needed. The show is a blast to do, and the live make-it-up-in-front-of-millions aspect gives one a good buzz. The third season starts on May 24 on SABC2.

I have to work hard, otherwise I get bored, so going it alone is not a strain for me. I love the challenge and the danger. But sharing the stage with friends and colleagues is fun.

Personally, I think it takes a careful mix of humour, harmony and heart to be a classical entertainer in the true sense of the word, as you say. On that topic, I hate all forms of arrogance and value judgments about what constitutes art as opposed to entertainment. Every artist and show has its place. Primarily entertainment is an act of communication. Done right and with the right tools, it is both a craft and an art.

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