Emnotweni Arena is the site of a comedy showdown between top-ranking South African comedian, Barry Hilton and New Zealand’s finest funny-man, Mike King on Saturday the 4th of February 2012. After battling out at Gold Reef City in January, the two will be in Nelspruit for one night only to “wrestle” for comedic supremacy in their side-splittingly hilarious show “Barry Hilton vs Mike King: No Ref”.

“It is game-on between SA’s finest and New Zealand’s best this February. There are no rules of engagement and no refereeing, just pure, unadulterated, no-holds-barred comedy.

“If you’re looking to give your guts a decent post-festive season workout, this is an engagement you just do not want to miss. Of course, given the calibre and popularity of these comedians, we are expecting the show to sell out fast. So, don’t dawdle about booking your spot,” says Emnotweni Casino’s General Manager, Ig Olivier.

Barry Hilton – The Cousin is revered for his quick wit, animated physical antics and hilarious facial expressions. With his irrepressible sense of humour, he is the only South African comedian who regularly sells out 4000-seater venues with his one-man show.

Internationally renowned, Barry has packed audiences in Paris, Amsterdam and London, Doha and Dubai, Sydney and Melbourne, Auckland and Wellington and a bunch of cities in between. In 2001 he was the first ever South African comedian to perform at the world-famous London Comedy Store and ten years later, he did the same Australia’s Sydney Comedy Store. In the last decade, Hilton’s career has exploded. From his gold disc status in 2001 for selling over 50 000 copies of his live DVD “Here We Go Again”, to his Serial Comic World Tour in 2011 and then going on to twice sell-out a 4 000 seater venue for his solo show, Hilton is “on fire”.

Most recently, Barry Hilton has extended his profile into the motivational speaker market and he is now taking his blend of stand up comedy, corporate entertainment and motivation to the world. Watch out, international man of mirth, on the move.

Going head to head with South Africa’s best-loved funny-man is Mike King who is known for his entertaining, candid and thought-provoking brand of comedy. One of New Zealand’s most popular comedians, King has performed at more international festivals than any other comedian from his country. A familiar face of New Zealand television, he has hosted numerous comedy series and specials. 

His portrayal of the "sun-glass wearing, leather jacket clad Maori fella" introduced television viewers to King’s candid and controversial humour.  Subsequent television shows have helped to establish Mike King as a household name.

Tickets to the comedy showdown can be bought at Emnotweni Casino’s Club Festival Desk for R100 per person. According to Olivier, the adjacent  Emnotweni Stay Easy hotel will offer a discounted rate of R550 for bed and breakfast (limited to 20 rooms) over the weekend of the show. People can quote “Comedy evening - 0402CO” when booking their accommodation to take up this offer.

“We’ll be giving away a few VIP ticket hampers to the show with Jacaranda in the weeks ahead. So, listen out for opportunities to win your way to the show,” he says.