TEN YEARS LATER: Tim Plewman’s ‘Defending the Caveman’ is the longest-running solo comedy in South Africa. Picture: EUGENE COETZEE
Heartwarmingly funny show helps couples understand each other
HE has been Defending the Caveman since almost caveman times, but the production has proved that veteran actor Tim Plewman’s enduring staging of it is timeless.
With the longest-running solo comedy in South African history opening in Port Elizabeth tonight, Plewman, 61, said comedy lovers should not miss the four-show run as it was “absolutely, incredibly funny”.
“People will get to understand their partners better and it also teaches those who are in new relationships about each other,” he said..
“We always have new audiences and the most funny feedback I receive after my shows is when they ask: ‘When did you put the cameras in my house?’ – because the show deals with things happening right in our homes.”
The show also holds the record of the longest-running non-musical solo comedy of all time on Broadway.
Plewman said Defending the Caveman was written by Rob Becker and he adapted the script for Southern Africa and went on to win a Vita Award for Best Actor in a Comedy.
“Ten years later, I wrote the book about the comedy which has been well received,” he said.
“When I started doing the show it was so heartwarming and funny, but I never thought it would do so well.
“I never even dreamed that it would have this kind of impact. There was a time I took a break for five years.
“I only came back three years ago when I was contacted by my international partners who said they wanted to do the show again,” Plewman said.
Starting out in musicals in 1976, Plewman’s drama career began in 1978 when he was given the opportunity of taking over the leading role in the comedy, Happy Birthday, on condition he was on in 48 hours.
He has starred in many other shows including The Unexpected Gift, The Real Thing, Pajama Tops, Who Goes Bare?, Hello I’m 8, Two Into One (Fleur du Cap Best Actor of the Year Award), Doubles (Vita Comedy Award for Best Actor), Sextet, Not Now Darling, Uproar in the House and Pale Natives.
He wrote and starred in Breakfast with Dad, a play that honoured his old friend Rex Garner.
Plewman will also premiere his new show, Gym and Tonnic, at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival this year.
Defending the Caveman runs at the Old Grey Club from today until Saturday. Tickets are available at Computicket or by calling Wendy on 082661 6921.
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