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REVIEWS

(full texts of reviews are found in the Archives)

RECENT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REVIEWS

Reviews of Sell-by Date in Johannesburg  — August-September 2023

Sell-by Date is up-to-the-minute political satire.

– Nicki Gules, Times Live, 25 August 2023

“Sell-By Date” is a masterclass in storytelling. A must-see for all theatre fans.

– Shaun Zietsman, The Something Guy, 25 August 2023

Uys' humour is clever, gentle, cheeky, and always pertinent. He is curious, witty, and razor-sharp. This is a courageous show and one which will leave the audience loving Pieter-Dirk Uys even more.

– Thelma Mort, News24, 31 August 2023

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Reviews of Sell-by Date in Cape Town  — May-June 2023

A courageous, vulnerable, masterful performance by an actor who forms part of our cultural life and lexicon. ... Pieter has no sell-by date.

– Steve Kretzmann, The Critter, 21 May 2023

Bravo to Pieter-Dirk Uys and his truly unstoppable titanium Tannie Evita for bringing his wonderful energy and satire to lift us out of ourselves.

– Robyn Cohen, The Cape Robyn, 25 May 2023

Thought-provoking entertainment that will make you laugh out loud, created by probably one of the greatest satirists ever. Definitely worth seeing!

– Faeron Wheeler, Broadway World, 25 May 2023

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Reviews of The Echo of a Noise in Johannesburg  — April/May 2023

Uys imbues The Echo of a Noise with insight and sensitivity and enough colour and wit and depth to engage throughout.

– Bruce Dennill, participate, 1 May 2023

It’s a beautiful work, a tale rich in so many echoes and shadows, ghosts and dreams that the work’s 90 minutes slips by in an instant.  See it you must.

– Robyn Sassen, My View, 1 May 2023

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Reviews of Lockup/Lockdown in Cape Town  — October-November 2021

Unexpected, brave and poignant.

– Karen Rutter, Weekend Special,  21 October 2021

Humor is wat ons deurdra. Pieter-Dirk Uys is terug met verskeie uitrustings, pruike en natuurlik Tannie Evita, wat al sedert 1981 aan sy sy is. Hy het nie sy slag met die gehoor verloor nie en gou-gou eet almal uit sy hand. Hier is nie grappies nie; dis die skerp waarnemingsvermoe van 'n meester wat koppe laat knik en mense ver laat terugdink. Sy politieke waarneming is steeds vlymskerp. 'n Aand in die geselskap van Suid-Afrika se voorste satirikus, meesterlike storieverteller en iemand wat weet hoe op 'n gehoor vir 70 minute vasgenael te hou met sy kwinkslae en politieke skertse, is net so 'n welkome lafenis as die nuus destyds dat 'm inentingsveldtog op pad is.

– Maryke Roberts, Litnet, 29 October 2021

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Review of Unmasking Evita live streamed from Cape Town  — August 2020

The show is a synthesis of the fictive but very real life of Evita; Pieter-Dirk Uys as artist/satirist/activist — and witness. He was there. We are here now, in the pandemic, in lockdown. Unmasking Evita brings together a potent mix of theatre, TV, film and digital stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the iconic Pieter-Dirk Uys on the screen and you will see what I mean.

– Robyn Cohen, thecaperobyn.co.za, 11 August 2020

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Reviews of #HeTwo: Evita Exposed! in Durban — November 2019

Delicious entertainment that positively crackles. Long may both Pieter-Dirk and Evita reign!

– Billy Suter, sosuterbill.com,  15 November 2019   

Highly recommended -– this is a very cleverly constructed piece of theatre. Pieter-Dirk Uys still makes the legendary Tannie relevant.

– Chris Sutton, Publicity Matters, 21 November 2019

Looking back over the 40 years Uys and Evita have spent lampooning the political elite in South Africa, you truly appreciate how important freedom of speech is. It’s something we need to treasure, just as we need to treasure two of the country’s most iconic people. So, go and celebrate four decades of fun with them at the Elizabeth Sneddon this week.

– Estelle Sinkins, The Witness, 19 November 2019

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Reviews of #HeTwo: Evita Exposed! in Cape Town — August/September 2019

***** Evita is incomparable and so is PDU. They feed off each other. It’s thrilling to see them heckle each other on stage. Don’t miss this extraordinary show by the incomparable, legendary Pieter-Dirk Uys –- as himself and as he steps into the skins of real and un-real figures. Do not miss.

– Robyn Cohen, The Cape Robyn, 5 September 2019

Jy is vasgevang deur die gebeure op die verhoog en nie een keer kry jy die begeerte om op jou selfoon te loer nie. Ek het die humor verwag, maar die hoop vir die toekoms waarmee ek uitgestap het, het my onkant betrap. Ek met 'n ligter hart uitgestap.

– Cliffordene Norton, Litnet, 5 September 2019

It is classic Pieter-Dirk Uys and classic Evita Bezuidenhout: thought-provoking, funny, from the heart and on point with the current popular conversation. A great show with a lot of heart and a lot of laughs.

– Faeron Wheeler, Broadway World, 4 September.2019  

The comedian’s ingenuity as well as his gift for the unexpected are the chief strengths of #HeTwo: Evita Exposed! With enviable aplomb, he constructs and deconstructs his alter ego before our eyes. What could be more subversive? Or more delightfully thought-provoking? Or more typically PDU?

– Beverley Brommert, Theatre Scene Cape Town, 30 August 2019

During this retrospective we see Evita being honoured and adored, The role Uys and Evita have played in our country’s history is indisputable.

– Bianca Coleman, Eat.Play.Drink Cape Town, 2 September 2019

In #HeTwo: Evita exposed! Uys reflects on his 38 year-long relationship with Evita, the amazing people she/he has met, and the adventures they’ve had along their journey together.

– Sheila Chisholm, Weekend Special, 31 August 2019

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Reviews of #HeTwo in Johannesburg — August 2019

Watching Uys at work gives you goosebumps. He is a master of the give and take of political nuance, interjecting barbs so bright and sharp that you don’t see them coming, with fierce and earth-shattering repartee that, rather than pulling punches, perfumes them.

– Robyn Sassen, My View, 11 August 2019

Uys entertains with savvy satire, up-to-date observational humour, quick costume changes and spot-on impressions, but if you laugh and then simply leave, you’ve missed the point. #HeTwo clearly displays how far South Africa has moved forward during Uys’ career, but it also illustrates how much work there still remains to do. Get to it.

– Bruce Dennill, Artsvark, 3 August 2019

#HeTwo features the inimitable Pieter-Dirk Uys and his world famous alter-ego Evita Bezudenhout sharing the stage. A great show and a wonderful tribute to one gutsy Lady, created with masterly style. A class act.

– Peter Feldman, Artslink, 2 August 2019

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Reviews of When in doubt, say darling in London — May 2019

Uys is a compelling and politically-charged master storyteller.  His satire has lost none of its muscularity.

– Cary Gee, Pridelife Magazine, 16 May 2019

Uys's performance mixes the pointed with the empathetic.

– Dominic Maxwell, The Times, 9 May 2019

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Review of When in doubt, say darling in Cape Town — November/December 2018

Part autobiography, part self-reflection, and part nostalgia:  In between putting on a hat and tie here and a doek there and a fake leopard skin where-ever, Uys just chats to us. Or at least it feels like he chats to us — it’s easy to forget he’s a consummate actor — telling stories about people he’s met, things he’s done.

– Steve Kretzmann, The Critter, 28 November 2018

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Reviews of When in doubt, say darling in Durban — November 2018

Uys is an extraordinary performer with a huge heart. ...  He deals with many issues that are confronting communities at all levels in South Africa at the moment. You daren’t lose focus for a minute or you might miss a hilarious aside or sarcastic crack at a politician!

– Caroline Smart, Artsmart, 3 November 2018

Memories and mirth ... treat yourself, darlings!

– Billy Suter, sosuterbill.com, 2 November 2018

“When in Doubt, Say Darling” takes a side swipe at political correctness and reinforces Uys's standing as one of South Africa’s greatest artists. Whilst he is cutting in his portrayal of politicians antics, he is neither myopic, one sided or cruel : he tells it as it is.

–  Chris Sutton, Publicity Matters, 2 November 2018

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Review of When in doubt, say darling in Cape Town — August 2018

**** CONSUMMATE entertainer that he is, Pieter-Dirk Uys has injected new life into tried-and-tested favourites of his repertoire — with an artful blend of the familiar and the fresh. The result is a sly, sweet, satirical farrago .

– Beverly Brommert, Cape Times,14 August 2018

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Reviews of The Echo of a Noise in London  — May/June 2018

***  Uys is a capable raconteur with an eventful story that shines a light on social and political history across two continents.  The Echo of a Noise offers a privileged but engaged perspective on apartheid’s near half-century, from a performer who learned early to laugh at his own fears, and is still doing so.

– Brian Logan, The Guardian, 5 June 2018

Uys is a captivating anecdotalist who pulls you in with more than mere laughs. The Echo of a Noise

is not just funny and poltical, it is touching too.

– Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 14 June 2018

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Reviews of When in doubt, say darling in Johannesburg — April 2018

An artist who has perfected his craft, Uys is a cultural gem, contributing immeasurably to the South African theatrical landscape.

– Peter Feldman, Artslink, 5 April 2018

With his wickedly twinkling eyes and formidably flexible face, Uys is bang up to date.

– Lesley Stones, Artslink, 5 April 2018

Strongly recommended. When in doubt, just buy a ticket.

– Leon van Nierop, What’s on in Joburg, 9 April 2018

Love him or hate him, watching Uys on a stage is always an experience.  All the more reason to see him live.

– Masego Panyane, The Star Tonight, 18 April 2018

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Review of Weifel Oor Jou Twyfel/When in Doubt Say Darling in Oudtshoorn — March 2018

Uysbly vlymskerp en eietyds.

– Laetitia Pople, Die Burger, 31 March 2018

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Reviews of Evita Bezuidenhout and the Kaktus of Separate Development in Durban  — October/November  2017

Pieter-Dirk Uys does it again — Evita is back in Durban in fine form, pulling no punches!

– Caroline Smart, artSMart, 4 November 2017

Uys remains a master of his craft.  He spares no prisoners — everyone and everything gets a shake or a rattle as he rolls out the punches with a sly smile and a twinkle in his eye.

– Billy Suter, sosuterbill.com, 2 November 2017

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Reviews of The Echo of a Noise in Durban  — July/August 2017

Uys has never been better!

– Billy Suter, sosuterbill.com, 27 July 2017

Uys is a master story teller whose characters are always entertaining and at the same time often poignant. This wonderful trip down memory lane is a treasure and definitely a show not to be missed.

– Dawn Haynes, artSMart, 30 July 2017

Uys’ finest work.

– Estelle Sinkins, the luvvie, 2 August 2017

Engaging, dramatic, poignant, bitingly satirical and hysterically funny — don’t miss it!

– Caroline Smart, artSMart, 27 July 2017

Poignant, funny and nostalgic, Pieter Dirk Uys enthralls with The Echo of a Noise.

–  Wanda Daly, Berea Mail, 27 July 2017

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Review of The Echo of a Noise in Cape Town  — July 2017

Pieter-Dirk Uys has a knack for knocking life into perspective.  Long may he remain our moral signpost.

– Sheila Chisholm, Weekend Special, 7 July 2017

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Reviews of Evita Bezuidenhout and the Kaktus of Separate Development in Cape Town  — June 2017

Mordant satire, insightful political comment, brilliant topicality and whimsical, but intelligent humour — Uys at his ebullient best.

– Beverley Brommert, Cape Argus, 27 June 2017

Pieter-Dirk is on top form, a positive breathe of fresh air.

– Karen Rutter, Weekend Special, 24 June 2017

This Tannie will make you think, and think again!

– Barbara Loots, Theatre Scene Cape Town, 26 June 2017

Evita’s’s back in top form, sharp-witted and tenacious as ever, bubbling with barbed lines. ...  Another hilarious foray into our cultural spectrum.

– Benn Van Der Westhuizen, What’s on in Cape Town, 29 June 2017

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Reviews of Evita Bezuidenhout and the Kaktus of Separate Development in Johannesburg  — May 2017

**** Just when you thought that Pieter-Dirk Uys couldn’t get funnier or more topical, or even sharper, along comes this. ... an absolute treasure. The show is brilliant!

– Leon van Nierop, Artslink, 26 May 2017

Evita  continues playing court jester with as much pizzazz and elegance as she’s done for over twenty years. But today, her bite is even sharper, and her focus more specifically honed.

– Robyn Sassen, My View, 26 May 2017

Evita’s as sharp and perceptive as ever.

– Jennifer de Klerk, Artslink, 29 May 2017

With the latest satirical pricks, to the latest political scandals blossoming around the world, Evita Bezuidenhout turns the mirror to South Africa with a subtle reflexivity that will light you up with laughter but break your heart all at the same time.

– Ayanda Sky, TMTv-SA, 26 May 2017

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Review of Weerklank van ‘n Wanklank (The Echo of a Noise) in Oudtshoorn  — April 2017

Uys is a compelling and  dynamic storyteller.

– Willem Bester, Krit (KKNK Festival, Oudtshoorn), 14 April 2017

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Reviews of The Echo of a Noise in Johannesburg  — March 2017

***** The audience is captured by Uys’s politically-incorrect humour, inexhaustible energy and optimism ... he is the only person who can make you sadly smile at life and our present confusing politics.  Bravo.

– Leon van Nierop, Rapport, 2 April 2017

Perched on a barstool under a spotlight on an otherwise empty stage, 71-year-old Uys can still hold an audience absolutely mesmerised just by talking. ... The Echo of a Noise is the most honest and wonderful performance I’ve ever seen him give.

– Lesley Stones, Daily Maverick, 28 March 2017

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Review of The Echo of a Noise in Pietermaritzburg  — February 2017

A unique opportunity to enjoy an intimate performance while learning more about the legendary actor, and of course a night of laughter.  Don’t miss THE ECHO OF A NOISE.

– Kavitha Pillay, The Witness (Pietermaritzburg), 23 February 2017

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Review of The Echo of a Noise in Cape Town  — December 2016

A must-see for anyone interested in South Africa, satire, and a good night out.

– Carla Bernardo, Tonight, 1 December 2016

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Reviews of The Echo of a Noise in Grahamstown  — July 2016

Uys is a smash hit!

– Verne Rowin Munsamy. ArtSMart, 3 July 2016

Rich, funny, tender and brilliantly executed.

– Brenda Daniels, A Feast of Tales, 3 July 2016

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Reviews of The Echo of a Noise in Cape Town  — June 2016

In The Echo of a Noise, Uys presents a collection of vignettes drawn from his childhood and early career. The result is a touching and intensely personal meditation wrapped in a bright, light-hearted package, flavoured with the kind of vivid anecdotes and seemingly effortless quips audiences have come to love about him over the years. The production cuts so much deeper than a mere evening’s worth of entertainment.  What a profound 90-minute journey it turns out to be!

– Steyn Du Toit, Cape Times, 8 June 2016

***** The Echo of a Noise is an austerely staged tour de force from a man of the theatre capable of seducing his audience with nothing more than a fluent monologue for well over an hour.  Uys take his listeners on a journey to a place somewhere in the hinterland between laughter and tears, in this soul-baring show that has unniversal resonance.

– Beverley Brommert, Cape Argus, 7 June 2016

The Echo of a Noise is a soul-baring honest memoir brought to stage by the one who can tell the story best… the one who lived the tale.  Time feels like it is standing still, as you hang onto every word of this skilled story teller.  Truly inspirational!

– Barbara Loots, Theatre Scene Cape Town, 7 June 2016

Hy is ’n meesterlike storieverteller, sonder arrogansie of selfbeheptheid.

– Maryke Roberts, Litnet, 3 June 2016

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