comedian Trevor Noah comes to Portsmouth
Beginning a new job is stressful for anyone. Will my new coworkers like me? Can I get up to speed on the new systems? Who will I sit with at lunch? How will I follow up my predecessor’s 16-year run as host of one of television’s most popular and influential shows?
Well, maybe only Trevor Noah is asking that last question. He’s set to take over hosting duties of “The Daily Show” from Jon Stewart later this summer. And, as Stewart wraps up his tenure on the show, Noah is on tour in the U.S. and the U.K. His next stop is at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, where he performs on Saturday, July 18.
Noah grew up in South Africa, and his career has taken him from stand-up and soap operas to radio and performing in front of Britain’s royal family in 2007. So how’s he preparing to skewer politicians, the media, and current events on “The Daily Show?”
“With lots and lots of reading,” he says. He’ll be in good company as he gets acclimated to his new gig. “’The Daily Show’ has a voice and a vision. I’m the host, but there’s the correspondents, the writers, and staff in the building that help shape the show,” Noah says.
Even with an all-star team and lots of prep work, it’s no surprise that Noah is anxious about taking over such a well-established organization. “I’m most excited to be sitting in that chair and taking over such an illustrious institution. I’m nervous for the exact same reason. Those shoes are massive,” says Noah.
He did receive a bit of advice from his predecessor. “All Jon told me was, ‘Make the best version of the show you think you should be making.’ I don’t know what he meant but it sounded deep, so I nodded slowly and said ‘hmmm.’”
“As I’ve matured, I’ve started to realize the importance of understanding the purpose of a joke.” — Trevor Noah
Writing and comedy take many forms, and each comedian has a unique approach. For Noah, it’s a continuous symphony of creation. “I remember everything that sparks a thought in my day. Then I get to the clubs and work the ideas in front of people,” he says.
As audiences know from his controversial jokes on Twitter, when it comes to comedy, there are no subjects that make him uneasy or uncomfortable. Tastes evolve; one day we are excited for vanilla, and the next, it’s rocky road filling our dishes. Comedy is no different, according to Noah.
“I think my taste has expanded. I’ve learned to enjoy more about comedy, but I wouldn’t say I’ve stopped liking a certain style of joke,” says Noah. He goes on to add, “I do think as I’ve matured, I’ve started to realize the importance of understanding the purpose of a joke. A joke can build or break down, for both good and bad. You can reinforce a negative idea or stereotype, or you can try to show the flaw in a certain school of thought.”
When Noah comes to The Music Hall this month, it will mark his first time in the Seacoast. He already has a pretty good idea of what life is like here.
“I’ve never been (to Portsmouth) before but I have been to Portsmouth in England. I’m assuming it’s the sequel, right?” he says.
After his show here, Noah goes on to Vermont, Canada, Washington, D.C., and, later in August, he takes his act overseas to the United Kingdom. Tours like this are mentally exhausting, but Noah combats this fatigue by adding normalcy to the crazy schedule by working out, watching TV, and exploring the cities he’s visiting.
Though he performs for strangers all over the world, the hardest gig he ever had was for kids. “I remember doing a show for kids. Young kids. It was horrible and it left me scarred. Kids don’t care for your smart little quips,” Noah says.
Trevor Noah performs Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. at The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. Tickets are $32-$46. Visit themusichall.org.
Either/or with Trevor Noah
Ice cream: cone or dish?
Cone in a dish. Control with the crisp!
It’s a hot summer day and you’re in the car: air conditioning or windows down?
Drop top. Best of both worlds.
Vacation: ocean or lake?
I’m more of a city tourist. But, forced to choose, I’ll go lake.
Sushi: Sashimi or hand roll?
Sashimi, hands down.
Cars: stick shift or automatic?
Old school: stick shift. New car: automatic.
Ladies: blondes or brunettes?
Redheads.