Braving time zones and risking offending an audience before he’s even met them, the intrepid comedian Nik Rabinowitz tells VSAFF about Desmond Tutu, award winning goats, and why Canada should pay…

 One of the menu options on your website (nikrabinowitz.co.za) says “Buy Nik”. How much do you cost and what do you come with?

I’m really a bit of a rip-off. I don’t have moveable limbs and I definitely don’t come with ‘parts.’ Those are sold separately and include a wife, two toddlers and a goat – all life size.

How would you describe Material (the VSAFF gala film) to Canadians?

Material is a film about a Muslim comedian, made by Jews. So really it’s about building bridges.

What was the experience of working on the movie like? More nerve-wracking than ordinary stand-up?

It’s always LESS nerve wracking when the audience isn’t close enough to throw anything at you.

If you could heckle any comedian, who would it be?

No one. I don’t really enjoy extreme sports.

Who’s the funniest person you know?

My granny. The other day she contacted me from the afterlife just to tell me a joke about vacuuming in the nude.

What was your favourite movie as a kid?

I can’t remember the name of the movie but it’s the one where there’s a magical, cricket-playing goat who flies (because he’s a magical goat) from country to country representing South Africa in the sport. But the end was the best, where he defies his parents’ wishes for him to become an accountant and then goes on to win an Olympic medal. For flying, not cricket.

When they make a movie of your life, who will play you?

I’m hoping for Desmond Tutu but I think he might be too short.

You’ve travelled and performed overseas before. What’s the dumbest question you’ve been asked about South Africa?

Somebody asked me if I was afraid because of all the hijacking, armed robberies and general violence. What an idiot. Of course I’m terrified.

Finally – best joke about Canadians? Or expats?

I don’t know about a joke but I can tell you I’ve been thinking about Somalian pirates a lot lately. In the sense that they’ve kidnapped some South Africans for loads of money and I think they’re onto something - I think if Canada and Australia want our white people, they should pay.

Catch Nik live on April 11th at Studio 16. Buy tickets now!