Dalin Oliver, 35, just completed a five-city tour of Australia, where his show won a Best Weekly Comedy Award at the Fringe World Festival in Perth — one of the world’s biggest Fringe Festivals. Dalin is preparing for his next solo comedy stint in six countries and 14 cities in England, Ireland, The Netherlands, Germany, France and Spain. It’s self-managed, -produced and -funded. Dalin has previously starred in the South African action-comedy movie Finders Keepers, which aired in cinemas nationwide and also hosted numerous online shows including Late Tackle with the Springboks.
He has worked as a master of ceremonies at events including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup, Netball World Cup and the SA20. Dalin says his comedy is inspired by his experiences as a South African. “Having worked across the country and performed for audiences from all backgrounds and walks of life, I’ve learned the power and beauty of comedy in allowing people to find humour in the best and toughest of times. We are South Africans. We love laughing and find the funny in any situation. My job is to find the funny in every possible situation and bring laughter to the Mzansi and the world.”
During 2023-24, I spent eight weeks in Australia and managed a total of 91 performances: 16 one-man shows, 35 Fringe Festival line-up shows and 40 club gig performances. My solo show, 90 Day Comedian, won a weekly award in the category of Best Comedy at the Fringe World Festival in Perth, one of the world’s largest Fringe Festivals.
I was fortunate to have a few South African and Australian comedians who I could go to for advice and guidance. It was a self-managed tour, which I produced and funded. Managing all logistics etc was the toughest and scariest thing I’ve ever done but I returned home a better comedian.
My parents, Linda and Gerard Oliver. They did everything in their power to ensure that my two sisters and I had the best possible education and opportunities in life. Only when looking back and talking to them do I realise how many sacrifices they made to provide. I’m forever grateful to them for their selflessness and example of what it is to be a good, kind and sincere human being. Treating everyone equally regardless of their background.
Thank you for everything mommy and daddy.