Darren Maule: From comedy clubs to Kings & Queens

Updated March 27, 2025, 7:11 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

Darren Maule returns to Kings & Queens of Comedy, bringing his journey full circle from comedy clubs to the big stage.

One of South Africa’s most anticipated comedy events is back. For its 13th year, Kings & Queens of Comedy returns to the Durban International Convention Centre on April 5, 2025, delivering a royal flush of laughter.

This powerhouse lineup features 10 of the country’s top stand-up comedians, all held together by none other than East Coast Radio’s very own Darren Maule, who will take on the prestigious role of MC.

We sat down with Darren, a true comedy king, to find out more about the event and his journey in stand-up.

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Many know Darren from his time on 'Survivor SA', as the lead in the SAFTA-winning sitcom 'Font', or as Grant Fletcher in 'Hard Copy'. Others remember him as the host of 'Play TV' alongside Pabi Moloi.

What many may not know is that Darren’s early career was deeply rooted in stand-up.

“In the early 2000s, stand-up comedians were the rock stars of South Africa, packing venues from Thursday to Saturday with live comedy. It was fresh, edgy, and booming, featuring legends like Barry Hilton and Mel Miller alongside rising stars like Trevor Noah and Schalk Bezuidenhout,” Darren recalls.

“I hustled through startup comedy venues like Hysterix, Funny Farm, and Blues Room before landing at Parker’s Comedy Club. Owned by longtime comedy impresario Joe Parker, the club became my home when Joe saw my potential as an MC.

"I jumped at the chance and spent years at Montecasino before transitioning to East Coast Radio.”

What does it take to be a great comedy MC?

According to Darren, it all starts with the right motivation. “You have to want to be there – not for yourself, but for the audience,” he explains.

“For me, the audience is everything. Before big gigs, I run ticket giveaways and ask, ‘Who would you bring? Who needs a good night of laughter?’ The responses are often deeply personal, reminding me just how powerful comedy can be.

"Some people have saved up for this one night out, others are going through tough times, and some just need a break from life. When I step on stage, I never forget that responsibility.

"My other motivation is my fellow comedians. I want us to deliver an incredible show as a team. No two nights are the same, and a good MC must be able to read the room and adapt. If a comedian loses the crowd, I bring them back. If the energy is high, I keep it going.

"The biggest misconception is that an MC just splits their set into a few short links – that’s not how it works. I always consider who’s coming up next. If their style is slow and deliberate, I make the audience lean in. If they’re fast-paced and firing off jokes, I get the crowd ready for the ride.

"Whether I’m MCing a room of 60 or 6,000, the responsibility is the same."

Do you still get nervous?

Despite years of experience, Darren admits that nerves still play a role (but in a good way).

“Nerves are just excitement in disguise,” he says. “Your senses are heightened, and your brain is firing on all cylinders. I always tell people to embrace that feeling, breathe, and remember two things: have fun and be yourself.”

His wife, Anna, has also had a front-row seat to the behind-the-scenes nerves at comedy shows.

“She finds it fascinating how different comedians handle pre-show jitters – some pace, some stretch, some game on their phones, and others look like they’re about to throw up,” he laughs.

“She’s become a real cheerleader backstage, which makes the night even more special for me.”

What makes you laugh?

“I find humor in everyday moments,” Darren says. “So many South African comedians are on fire right now, and I love seeing fresh talent.”

Darren also appreciates smart comedic writing. “The 'Saturday Night Live' 50th-anniversary documentary on its writers was brilliant. People don’t always realise that great stand-up isn’t just about performance, it starts with sharp writing.”

As for his favourite comedians? “Conan O’Brien’s podcast is gold. Will Ferrell and Melissa McCarthy’s physical comedy is genius. Eddie Murphy and Kate McKinnon’s energy are legendary.

"Jim Carrey was a game-changer. Stephen Colbert is clever and charming, and Ricky Gervais is fearless. I love 'Saturday Night Live' and anything that’s well-written and timely.”

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