“The reactions, the laughter, the silence—it’s all part of the performance and challenges you to stay present and agile.”

Paving the way for a new era of stand-up comedy in Seychelles.

Stand-up comedy is an art form that thrives on the perfect blend of words and timing, transforming mere ideas into infectious laughter. In its unfiltered essence, it explores the quirks of everyday life, revealing the absurdities that often go unnoticed. While stand-up may not yet be a household name in Seychelles, a small but passionate group of comedians is making waves and drawing audiences into their world of humour. Leading the charge is Marietta Labrosse-Payet, a journalist who embodies the transformative power of comedy.

Marietta is better known for her serious demeanour as a journalist and her background in education. A mother of four and a grandmother to six, beneath the surface lies a comedic soul. Her witty one-liners and knack for storytelling have captivated audiences, showcasing a side of her that was long hidden. “I’ve always loved comedy and writing,” Marietta reflects, admitting that the desire to create her own stand-up material was ever-present. However, the fear of not being able to make a living from comedy and her shyness held her back for years. After earning her degree in Education at Warwick University in the UK, she spent thirteen years teaching humanities, specialising in geography, before joining the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation as a journalist, where she has worked for the past seventeen years.

It was a pivotal workshop in Seychelles, led by Daliso Chaponda, a Zambian-born Malawian comedian residing in the UK, that ignited Marietta’s passion for stand-up. “That was the turning point for me,” she recalls, finding the courage to step into a world where she could share her unique perspective and experiences on stage.

At the heart of stand-up comedy lies the art of storytelling. Comedians often distil complex narratives down to their most poignant and humorous elements. They share personal anecdotes—be it about childhood, relationships, or the absurdities of societal expectations—crafting a narrative that is both personal and relatable. Marietta’s material, rich with the nuances of her life, resonates deeply with her audience. 

“The magic happens when you step onto the stage,” she explains, recalling the exhilarating moment when the spotlight hits her face and the audience falls silent. “That first line, that initial joke, sets the tone for the performance.” In that space, the usual rules of conversation fade, allowing her to take the audience on a journey through humour, dissecting life in a liberating and honest way.

Timing, delivery, and presence are all critical elements of stand-up comedy. “The rhythm of the comedian and their ability to read the room can mean the difference between uproarious laughter and an awkward silence,” Marietta elaborates. This interactive nature of stand-up creates an immediate feedback loop, where the audience’s reactions shape the performance in real time. “Every show is different. The reactions, the laughter, the silence—it’s all part of the performance and challenges you to stay present and agile.”

Stand-up comedy also embodies a rebellious spirit, wielding the power to challenge societal norms and provoke thought. Comedians tackle uncomfortable topics, exposing hypocrisies and sparking conversations through humour. Marietta believes that at its best, stand-up connects us all, allowing us to laugh at ourselves and the world around us while providing catharsis and a sense of community.

In an age where comedy serves as a mirror to society, Marietta is one shining example of how one can embrace vulnerability and humour, reminding us all that laughter, indeed, is essential. As she continues to share her stories with the support of her family and friends, she and others pave the way for a new era of stand-up in Seychelles, where every punchline is a step towards greater acceptance and understanding.

As the stand-up scene grows in Seychelles, the small collective of comedians has already made strides, demonstrating that laughter truly transcends cultural boundaries. With nine active comedians currently in Seychelles, their first public showcase on December 3rd was a resounding success. Mark your calendars for the next show on February 22nd at the Dockland Auditorium, starting at 7 PM. Tickets are priced at SCR250, and it promises to be a night of laughter and connection.