/ 26 April 2005

Mark Lottering – Quiet beginnings for an outspoken guy

When and where were you born?

Peninsula Hospital, Cape Town, in December 1967.

Where did you matriculate?

I made a few attempts at this. I was at Heathfield High for most of my high school career, but never matriculated. I matriculated from Boston House College in 1988.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

I had two favourite teachers at Heathfield High. One of them was Pamela Steyn, who headed the drama society there. She treated me as though I was a superstar — then already! And the other was Pat Jones. Pat one day casually suggested to me that there may be Khoi roots in my family. My mother never quite recovered! Nevertheless, Pat got me thinking.

What were your favourite subjects?

English. It was the only subject I really showed a flair for.

What sort of boy was Mark Lottering at school?

I never really enjoyed my school days. They were quiet and uneventful. I think I was somewhat of a misfit. No-one really remembers me. I have memories of occasionally smiling in Standard 9. I guess that my ex-teachers would call me “an average student” (except for Pamela Steyn, of course, who I’m sure would refer to me as “outstanding in a unique way”).

How did your education influence your choice of career?

My education did not directly influence my career choice. The job-title “comedian” didn’t cross my mind until I turned 30. But I figure that one’s education is part of one’s life experience. And my life experience has brought me to the place where I am.

While at school, what did you want to grow up to be and why?

I wanted to be a lawyer because I loved watching LA Law and because I wanted to be wealthy.

When did your career as an entertainer start?

I’ve always been drawn to the entertainment business and started to audition for musicals around 1995. I appeared in four or so shows until 1998 when I did my first

solo comedy show. A good friend, Marriane Thamm, told me I would be popular as a storyteller, because she thought I was funny and she’s not a stupid girl. I followed her advice and performed my first comedy show for 20 people. That was in 1998.

What are your views on education today?

I have no firm views on education today. I guess I’m one of those people who trust that teachers are professionals who do their job as best they can. I do hope, though, that learners are being encouraged to dream without boundaries.

What’s your advice to young people?

Have a vision for your life and be faithful to that vision.