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Pieter-Dirk Uys: Sell-By Date

Mon 12 – Sat 24 Aug 24 75 minutes
South African satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys returns to Soho Theatre with his latest one-man show.
‘Uys dons false eyelashes and presidents listen.’
LA Times

Sell-By Date features not only the man, author and social activist as himself, but a parade of icons – male, female and political – bringing Londoners news and memories from life in the Rainbow Nation. The South African and British general elections will also be celebrated for the ‘mock’ in democracy and the ‘con’ in Constitution.

At 78, Uys, with recent surgery adding a surprising twist, delivers laughter in chaos. Audiences are in for an unforgettable experience of wit and resilience.

Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu never had a sell-by date, nor it seem do his beloved characters, Evita Bezuidenhout and Nowell Fine, but after 60 years live on stage, Uys is not surprised when he’s asked: ‘When will you retire?’ His answer is short and sweet: ‘Not re-tyre; retread!’

This 2024 performance brings London audiences Uys on top form: laughing at fears and embracing facts with his tongue firmly in your cheek. A sell-by date on food usually means “use quickly”. See you there!

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Media gallery

‘Thought-provoking entertainment that will make you laugh out loud, created by probably one of the greatest satirists ever.’
Broadway World
‘In the heart of a nation grappling with its past, present and future, Pieter-Dirk Uys’s theatre production, Sell-By Date, emerges as a powerful and poignant mirror that reflects the complex tapestry of South African society. I urge fellow compatriots and other people to witness that thought-provoking masterpiece first-hand. It is possible to build the country of our dreams! We have not yet reached our sell-by date!’
City Press (SA)
‘This satirist, commentator and comedian still has it in spades.’
Citizen (SA)
‘Uys clearly has his finger on the pulse of the nation. He will get you giggling, while hitting you hard and making you think.’
Star (SA)