Local Comedian Kevin Naudi Brings Glory Days to Sliema
Malta’s top comedian Kevin Naudi returns to the stage this December with Glory Days, a new stand-up show at Teatru Salesjan in Sliema on the 12 and 13 December. Known for super sharp, everyday humour and an instinctive style that has shaped the local comedy landscape, Kevin steps back into live performance with fresh material and renewed focus. Oh My Malta caught up with him ahead of the shows.
You once told us you first stepped into comedy almost by accident, grabbing the mic at a wedding when the music was cut by police. For a show like Glory Days, how much do you still rely on that instinct for spontaneity compared to planned material?
The bigger you get, the more expectations you are faced with. Which is fine and I understand it’s the norm. But that will never change my core, and that is talking about things that I relate to, and that I am 100% sure others do too. The moment you put yourself as the “target”, you are free to say whatever you feel. So, although I work a lot on my script, spontaneity and improvisation on topics I’ll be discussing will always be key to my comedy style.
You have often said that comedy is your main craft, yet acting and directing also pull strongly on you. When you build a show like Glory Days, how do those different creative instincts shape what ends up on stage?
In reality, my passion for acting is probably stronger than comedy. But nothing is as rewarding as making 600 people forget there is a crazy world outside, even if it’s just for an hour. The feeling of knowing I am taking them to a place of visualisation, imagination, and self-assurance is something only Stand-up Comedy can give me.
The title Glory Days suggests a certain mood. What moments or themes did you choose to explore, and how do you turn that into something audiences can laugh through rather than just look back on?
There are many angles to this title. Glory days signify the good old days, or where they?). Or does it refer to the Glory days we live in today (or are they)? It’s a cheeky approach to how we look at life in general. So, there are many comparisons between the past and the present. To where we are now as a society. Everything is an extreme. The hypocrisy towards certain topics like religion, and so on. (I don’t want to give too much away!)
You have mentioned influences ranging from big-name stand-ups to classic sitcoms. How do those influences filter into this show, and where do you intentionally push into your own style?
Influence is vital in any art form. For me, watching Louis CK, Ricky Gervais, Robin Williams, Bill Burr, Billy Hicks, and a few others motivates me more than anything. They filter through little moments, maybe timing, transition, rawness, but more than anything, from the ones I’ve mentioned. It’s mainly not worrying about what you say, as long as it’s delivered in a charming, funny, and original manner. Sitcoms like Friends, Brooklyn 99, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air all form part of my core.
You once talked openly about a corporate gig that fell flat, leaving you performing to only a handful of people. How did that experience change the way you approach live shows, and did any of that feed into what you created for Glory Days?
Now, why did you have to mention this? Many years ago, just as I was starting out, I was offered a respectable amount of money to perform for 25 minutes at a corporate event. Lack of experience didn’t help, as I should have made it a point to ask questions and make sure certain boxes were ticked, such as “Is it a seated event?” “Are the guests aware there is going to be a stand-up comedian?”. So, the rest is history which, I always kept on a shelf to remind me how bad it can feel when you get no reaction, and have that feeling of rock bottom – And just that thought alone, gives me energy and hunger to be better with every single performance I give, but this specific episode doesn’t feature in any of my past stand ups, neither will it in Glory days (I don’t wish to cry on stage).
Over the years, you have built a loyal audience in Malta through sold-out shows and even some musical twists. With the Sliema performances coming up, what do you hope people walk out feeling, beyond simply having laughed?
With this special, my hope goes way beyond just making people laugh (though that will definitely happen). This special is very much a reflection of my own journey, encompassing the emotions, the chaos, the moments of clarity, and the times when you look around and think, “What in the world is going on?” But in reality, the world has always been a mess; it’s just making it a joyful one as we go along.
Get your tickets here!
