Shift Happens with Richard Sutton | Marc Lottering on Humour, Acceptance and Joy
15 June 2026
One of South Africa’s most beloved comedians. A storyteller. A playwright. A theatre icon. The creator of unforgettable characters like Aunty Merle. And a performer who has spent nearly three decades making audiences laugh across South Africa and beyond. But behind the laughter is a story few people know.
In this episode, Marc Lottering reflects on his journey from a pastor’s son growing up in Retreat to becoming one of the country’s most celebrated entertainers. He shares how the women around his family’s kitchen table inspired some of South Africa’s most iconic characters, and why storytelling has always been at the heart of his work.
Marc opens up about the years before success, the setbacks that tested him, and the moments he thought might end his career. From being told to stick to advertising instead of comedy, to navigating public mistakes and finding his way through them, he reflects on the experiences that shaped both the performer and the person.
The conversation explores the cost of a life spent making others laugh, the pressure of carrying joy into a divided world, and what happens when the applause fades and the real person steps off stage. Along the way, Marc reflects on love, partnership, imperfection and the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of helping people find laughter.
This is a conversation about humour, acceptance and the power of showing up as yourself.
◼︎About Richard Sutton: Richard Sutton is the founder and CEO of SuttonHealth, founder of The Performance Code, and a globally recognised expert in stress management, resilience, and human performance. He is the author of The Stress Code, Stressproof – The Game Plan, and Shift Happens. For more than 25 years, Richard has worked with leaders, athletes, organisations, and healthcare professionals to help people thrive under pressure and unlock their full potential.
◼︎Learn more: SuttonHealth: https://suttonhealth.co.za/
FirstLight Healthcare: https://www.firstlight.healthcare/
◼︎Buy Richard Sutton’s latest book, Shift Happens: https://www.panmacmillan.co.za/author…
◼︎Follow Richard
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realrichardsutton/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-sutton-thrive/
