Young Cape Town comedian on humour, heartbreak and big dreams.
Comedian Sarah Abraham will present her debut one-woman comedy show, Unattractive, Unmotivated, and Lazy, at The Baxter’s Masambe Theatre on 6 and 7 February. The show is a story-led, conversational hour of stand-up, exploring dating, heartbreak, family dynamics, and the absurdities of life in your 20s.
The Cape Jewish Chronicle caught up with Sarah.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I grew up in Cape Town, in Noordhoek to be exact, with three siblings all very close in age – I’m the third-born, which means I was almost always fighting for attention. I went to Reddam House Constantia and later studied graphic design and marketing, followed by a BA at Vega. By day, I work at my dad’s company (yes, a bit of nepotism – which I joke about in the show). Like most people, school wasn’t exactly a highlight, but it all helped shape who I am.
What sparked your decision to try stand-up comedy?
Honestly, a broken heart. After my first breakup – with an ex-convict, no less – I was filled with rage, pain and a serious need for adrenaline. My brother joked, “Why don’t you try stand-up? If they don’t laugh, you really couldn’t feel worse.” I took that advice, signed up for a five-minute open mic, and the adrenaline rush after performing was addictive. That was almost four years ago, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
How do you come up with your material?
Life does most of the work for me. I observe what happens to me and around me and ask myself if there’s a way to find humour in it. Life has highs and lows, and we all go through tough experiences. My process is about taking those shared negative moments and turning them into something people can laugh at – and relate to.
Is this your first professional show?
Not at all. I performed this show as a work-in-progress last year and it sold out, which gave me the confidence to take it further. I’ve also performed in Savannah’s Newcomers Showcase in 2024. In addition, I created and ran Book Club Comedy Night, a platform that gave new comedians 15–20 minutes on stage instead of the usual five. It helped others grow – and helped me develop my own voice and audience.
What are your goals going forward?
One day, I want to sell out the Baxter Theatre’s 585-seater. More than that, I want to bring joy and laughter to people who connect with my story. What could have been a sob story became something positive, and if I can bring hope through humour, then I know I’m doing something right. ●
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