BARRY HILTON, “The Cousin”, has reached international status as a stand-up comedian performing all over the world.  Many agree that he is, without a doubt, one of the top comedians South Africa has ever seen.
Performing his original brand of South African humour, his sell-out shows are proof of his popularity as “the cleanest” comedian in the country.  He entertains at the highest possible level without barbed prejudice, snide racism or crude language. (He says “kak” more than a couple of times, but that doesn’t really count!)

Say 'the cousin' and everybody knows exactly who you're talking about, my china!
Barry Hilton is a household name in South Africa and audiences love his irrepressible sense of humour!   He is a skilful, generous and engaging entertainer who pulls out all the stops for audiences across the country and his shows are invariably sold out well in advance.
Known (and loved) as the cleanest comic around, his unique brand of humour has an uncanny ability to entertain and it shows an awareness of the fine line between laughing at and laughing with the jokes about an array of 'sensitive' issues.   He has the knack of taking every day situations and turning them into hilarious skits on stage. Barry Hilton is undoubtedly South Africa's best-loved funny man!
Talking “kak” as he puts it, the cousin makes it fun being South African, and if Proudly SA should reward someone for doing his bit for supporting the country, he deserves a nomination.  Barry’s optimistic outlook on SA makes you feel proud to be a South African. His positively radiant patriotism rubs off and makes the audience feel as one, subconsciously eradicating for a short time, all differences in colour, creed and social standing.

Not only does Barry enjoy sell out South African tours, he has performed to sold-out audiences around the globe.  He was also the first South African stand-up comedian to perform at the prestigious London comedy club, The Comedy Store.  So he’s obviously got the universal formula right!
With this phenomenal success it's no surprise that he's been in the business for 23 years.
His unique style of entertainment is a real winner at corporate functions from golf days and launches right through to conferences and gala banquets. In addition to his corporate shows, Barry has devised an exciting motivational concept for companies. The “Laughter Factory” shows employees how to bring more laughter into the workplace, and how success comes with laughter.
Barry Hilton is renowned not only for his comedy, but also for starring in commercials (really funny ones) and giving them a certain sense of South African-ness.  “The Cousin” has also featured in several television shows, including his own series entitled “Funny You Should Say That” on SABC prime time. 
Being a prolific writer, Barry pens all his own material, including music.  His work has been captured on video and CD and they have all sold extremely well. 


IN SHORT

• Born in Zimbabwe (1956)
• Turned Pro in 1983 (age 26) 
• Firsts:
  First SA comic to perform at Wild Coast Sun International (Natal South Africa 1985)
  First SA comic to perform at Sun City Extravaganza Theatre (1986)
  First SA comic to perform at Runway Bar ( Johannesburg Club that catered for 95% British immigrants in the late 80’s early 90’s).  He worked there for six months a year for 7 consecutive years).
• Sold Out
  Barry is currently (March 2006 – April 2007) busy with 50 sold out concerts (average attendance 700pax) at South African Sun International Venues.  He has signed up with Sun International until 2009.
  With 8000 people attending, both Savanna Road Shows were sold out - Barry Hilton “Live”   2004 and Barry Hilton “Da Lemon Code” 2006. 
  Barry is the only South African comic to sell out the 4000 seat Sandton Convention Centre
  He sold out seven shows for 700 people at Emperors Palace Casino in Johannesburg this year.  In 2003, 2004 and 2005 he did two runs each year at this venue.
• Barry performs an average of 150 shows a year in South Africa – this includes concerts and corporate events.
• DVD’s:
  Live and Switched On (1999)
  Here we go again 2001 (awarded gold disk for sales exceeding 50,000)
  Live at Emperors Palace 2005
• TV:
  Hosted 13 episodes of the “Funny you should say that” chat show in 2003
  Various Advertisements: 
  VW Fox
  Spray and cook
  Sunday Times (SA)
  Nashua Printers          
  Savanna Ciders (every year since the start of the campaign in 1999