Following the wild success of the inaugural first year, the mother of all comedy festivals, the Mother City Comedy Festival returns by popular demand to the Baxter Studio Theatre from 11 to 29 February.

With more than 45 comedians performing in 40 shows over three weeks, it’s even bigger and better than ever!

Produced by SIV NGESI, in collaboration with Taylor Made Productions, the Mother City Comedy Festival celebrates stand-up comedy in all its forms, presenting a full spectrum of different comedic styles.

With two shows daily, and three on weekends, the Festival will once again get audiences up close and personal with their favourite comedians while introducing them to some of the country’s most exciting upcoming talents. Comedy-lovers are spoilt for choice during this fabulous festival of funniness.

They producers said that they had such a phenomenal response to the first Festival, that they had to make the program longer this year around.: “The Festival proved to be not only a great event for comedy connoisseurs to get their fix, but also a key platform for newer stars to have the opportunity to perform at a major Cape Town venue.”

This year’s line-up features a diverse mix of performers from stalwarts of the comedy industry such as Nik Rabinowitz, Joey Rasdien, Jason Goliath, Donovan Goliath, Chantal Jax, Kate Pinchuck, Simon Orgill, Daniel Richards, Mike Van Graan, Soli Philander, Long John, Carmen Kearns, Chantal Jax, Carl Weber, Dalin Oliver, Kate Pinchuck Phil de Lange Shimmy Isaacs, Ta Fire, Sqhazolo, Kumkani Sibu, CJ Benson, Martin Davis, Nick Goliath, Daniel Richards, Long John the Comedian, Eugene Matthews, Dalin Oliver, Simon Orgill, Altaaf Sayed, Kurt Schoonraad, Robbie Collins, Yaseem Barnes, Simon van Wyk, Dylan Hichens, Mark Johnson, Kenwyn Davids, Liam Bento, Ambro Uren, Nik Rabinowitz, Kurt Langeveld, Wayne McKay, Piet Potgieter, Dugald Pieterse, Stuart Taylor, Simmi Areff, Mel Jones, Angel Campey, Dalin OliverDillan Oliphant, Keenan Cerff, and some more.

Tickets cost from R120 to R150. Bookings can be made at Webtickets or selected Pick n Pay stores.

For discounted school or group block bookings, fundraisers or charities contact Carmen Kearns on 021 680 3993 or email her at carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za

The post The Mother City Comedy Festival appeared first on Stage and Screen.

In a stand-up city, filled with stand-up people, 947, together with Blu Blood, are proud to announce the first annual Stand-Up Joburg comedy show – a brand new comedy experience committed to celebrating the ultimate local comedic talent in South Africa.

This no-holds-barred comedy spectacular will take place on the 23rd of September at Centre Court at Emperors Palace (the next day is a public holiday).

Whether they’re commenting on politics or crime or their own personal musings, South African comedians have no shortage of material.  They’ve also got an incredibly diverse and enthusiastic loyal following that enjoys celebrating their Southafrican-ness.

Laugh it out with the stalwarts of the industry to emerging new voices.  The very best in homegrown talents includes Riaad Moosa, Joey Rasdien, Sifiso Nene, Ndumiso Lindi, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Lindy Johnson, Lihle Msimang, Mpho Popps, Celeste Ntuli, Krijay Govender and Mo Vawda; with guest performances by Morgan Beatbox and some of your favourite 947 presenters and Djs.

Love to laugh – Stand-Up Joburg with 947 and Blu Blood.  Tickets from R180 now available through Computicket or retail outlets.

The show starts at 20h00 and is rated PG-16.

The post Stand-Up Joburg appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Krugersdorp is in for a treat as the very best of Joburg comedy descends on Silverstar Casino for a celebration of all things funny in The Joburg Comedy Invasion on 29 March. From the producers of “The Big 5 Comedy Show”, Taylor Made Productions brings you their newest comedy concept with a line-up that is a non-stop laughter fest as the comics touch on the silly, the surreal, the naughty and the nice

A stalwart of the comedy scene, Chris Forrest plays host to this motley crew of gag merchants. He is sure to tickle your funny bone with his musings on life as the quintessential Joburg family man. His dry sense of humour and quick wit has made him one of SA’s most popular comedians.

Newcomer and fast rising star, Ebenhaezer Dibakwane, is one of the most in-demand comics of the new generation. He rose to fame after winning the Savanna Comic’s Choice Newcomer award in 2016 and was a regular face on the SABC 2 sketch show, The Bantu Hour. Within minutes of his performance, it’ll become clear why he’s been racking up awards and accolades across multiple platforms.

Comedy heavyweight, Joey Rasdien, headlines the gig. It’s such a rare treat to witness this titan of SA comedy perform in an intimate space. His unique brand of silly and surreal will leave you laughing and pondering in equal measure…but in a good way.

The show is sure to give you an authentic taste of the Joburg funny scene. It’s a BIG show in an INTIMATE space – perfect for a night of comedy that promises loads of belly-laughs.

This one-night only performance takes place on the 29^th of March at Silverstar Casino in Krugersdorp at 8pm. Tickets cost R150 per person and are available at Computicket. (Rewards Cards discounts apply). The show is rated PG16!

Get ready for another Taylor Made comedy spectacular!

The post Joburg Comedy Invasion appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Get your prescription of laughter with Riaad Moosa & Friends over Heritage weekend this September at Emperors Palace.  The prognosis is in!  ‘Laughter is the best medicine’ and Dr Riaad Moosa is insisting that it is your best course of medication!

Research has shown that laughter is good for your health; it relaxes the whole body; boosts the immune system, triggers the release of endorphins; protects the heart and burns calories!  Which means that it’s for your own good that you do not miss the second edition of Riaad Moosa & Friends: Heritage Weekend Edition at Emperors Palace on Sunday, 23rd September, 2018, especially since the Monday is a public holiday.

Joining Riaad Moosa for a top-notch night of entertainment are his good friends – and some of South Africa’s biggest comedy heavyweights – Dillan Oliphant, Joey Rasdien, Khanyisa Bunu, Loyiso Madinga, Muthu Murugan, Ndumiso Lindi, Robby Collins, Schalk Bezuidenhout and Simmi Areff.

With this royal flush of SA comedy giants, this is guaranteed to be a show of hysterical proportions.

Get your prescription of laughter with Riaad Moosa & Friendsas they take hilarity to the next level on 23 September at Centre Court, Emperors Palace.  The show is rated PG16.  Tickets are available from R185 per person and can be booked through Computicket or at the Emperors Palace Box Office.  Emperors Palace is located at 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park, Johannesburg. Show starts at 19h30.

Another great production brought to you by your friends at Blu Blood.  You’re welcome!  After all, what are friends for?  Visit www.blublood.com for more information.

The post Riaad Moosa and Friends appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Where do you go when you’re trying to get away from your monster mother-in-law?  If you’re Annalakshmi, then it’s a different country and a different continent altogether!

Annalakshmi’s African Adventure is a hilarious musical comedy about being an Indian National taking refuge in South Africa.  This one-woman-show will take place for the first time on a Joburg stage on the 24th of March at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace.

Using singing in a variety of Indian vernacular, as well as old and contemporary English music, Annalakshmi tackles family, social, economic and political issues. She loves telling stories and giving candid commentary of her Indian take on things and her parodies are witty, funny and they hit home.

Anasia Govender – better known as her stage character, Annalakshmi – is a 42-year-old mother of 3 and an entrepreneur.  She is also the chef and owner of Chilli Kadhai Restaurant in Durban.  In fact, this was where it all started when her video advertising the restaurant went viral after she gave Ed Sheeran’s song, Thinking Out Loud, her own twist.

One of her comedy career highlights was being a semi-finalist on SA’s Got Talent 2017.  She has shared the stage with some of South Africa’s best comedians including Carvin Goldstone, Joey Rasdien and Marc Lottering, to name a few.   Kamz Govender, an exciting new up-and-coming comic, will be the opening act.  His clean, hilariously well-thought out one-liners, has him standing out on stage.

Annalakshmi’s African Adventure is entertainment for the whole family.  Tickets are available from R120 per person. Annalakshmi’s Adventures is poudly brought to you in association with Blu Blood.

The post Annalakshmi’s African Adventure appeared first on Stage and Screen.

One of South Africa’s longest running flagship comedy brands, Kings & Queens of Comedy, is here again, with its biggest line-up in six years.  Bringing world-class comedy to Pretoria, this comedy extravaganza sees comic giants from around South Africa entertaining audiences at the Sun Arena Time Square, Menlyn, on Saturday, February 10^th, 2018.

Shining their comical armour and sharpening their witty swords, the stellar line-up includes Riaad Moosa (MC), Alan Committie, Casper de Vries, Donovan Goliath, Gilli Apter, Hannes Brummer, Jason Goliath, Joey Rasdien, Khanyisa Bunu, Krijay Govender, Leeanda Reddy, Marc Lottering, Melt Sieberhagen, Shimmy Isaacs and Sifiso Nene, with a guest appearance by Morgan Beatbox.

Introducing the stars…

Riaad Moosa returns to centre stage as the host of this royal affair. He certainly seems to have the remedy for the nation’s ills – a healthy dose of laughter, straight up – hold the aspirin – as he gives the audience a snapshot into his life, a father of three kids, husband, comedian, actor and with all the current cultural and political issues thrown in.

No end to his talents, Alan Committie, is one of South Africa’s leading award-winning stand-up comic performers. He has travelled all over the globe sharing his hilarious brand of madness.

Casper de Vries has been at the forefront of the Afrikaans comedy scene for over 30 years and has developed a strong following with his witty, razor sharp humour and hilarious observations on everyday life.

Bringing a lot of character and energy to the stage, Donovan Goliath’s lively manner of storytelling has made him a prolific stand-up act who is set to get the laughs rolling in.

Gilli Apter (pronounced with a hard G), has worked as a comedy writer since 2005. She has entertained audiences around the country with her unique style.

Hannes Brummer’s comedic style is highly energetic and physical as he goes on about his Afrikaans heritage, the battle of the sexes and becoming a dad.

Jason Goliath is larger than life (it’s all because his big personality won’t fit into a smaller body).  His infectious energy and laugh has made him one of South Africa’s most sought after comedians.

Joey Rasdien doesn’t need much of an introduction.  Instantly recognisable, his endearing stage person is intellectually absurd, physically hysterical and thought provoking.

Teacher-turned-comedienne, Khanyisa Bunu is a fan favourite.  She was the first woman to win the audience choice award at the Comics’ Choice Awards and has also made her mark on South African TV with roles in various series.

The beautiful Krijay Govender is a South African actress, director and comedienne. She is a rare mix of brains, beauty and a comic genius on stage.

Leeanda Reddy is not only beautiful but she has a bevy of talents.  A familiar face on South African stages and screens, she has proved time and time again that she has a flair for comedy with her outrageously funny skits.

There’s no missing that trademark ‘fro’…  Hailing from Cape Town, Marc Lottering is one of South Africa’s top comedians and has been in the comedy industry for almost 20 years.  Marc is the consummate storyteller and continues to keep audiences in stitches across the country and abroad.

Melt Sieberhagen has a uniquely South African point of view and an inherent inability to sidestep touchy topics and ‘holy cows’. Having been described as anything from ‘a slightly angry teddy” to a “really funny Dutchman”, he’s just a normal bloke looking at the funny side of living in a dysfunctional society.

The hilarious award-winning Shimmy Isaacs looks at her journey as a confused coloured woman who comes into contact with all sorts of cultural dilemmas of her own race and others.

Off stage, Sifiso Nene is a man of few words,  On stage, however, telling jokes is the only place he feels completely at home.  His passion and determination, sprinkled with talent has seen him winning awards and winning the hearts of comedy fans around the country.

Always adding a spin to the Kings & Queens of Comedy events,  international celebrity beatboxer, Morgan Beatbox, makes a guest appearance.

Don’t miss the Kings & Queens of Comedy, 10 February, 2018 at the Sun Arena Time Square, Menlyn, Pretoria. Tickets from R200 and are available through Computicket online and the various retail outlets.  The show starts at 20h00 and is rated PG16.

Another hilarious production brought to you by Blu Blood in association with Comedy Central Africa.

The post Kings and Queens of Comedy appeared first on Stage and Screen.

With compliments of Blu Blood and MS Publicity, we are giving away 2 Double Tickets to the Kings and Queens of Comedy that will be LOLling and ROFLing on 10 February 2018 at the Sun Arena, Time Square in Pretoria.

Shining their comical armour and sharpening their witty swords, the stellar line-up includes Riaad Moosa (MC), Alan Committie, Casper de Vries, Donovan Goliath, Gilli Apter, Hannes Brummer, Jason Goliath, Joey Rasdien, Khanyisa Bunu, Krijay Govender, Leeanda Reddy, Marc Lottering, Melt Sieberhagen, Shimmy Isaacs and Sifiso Nene, with a guest appearance by Morgan Beatbox.

Enter below, and we will hold thumbs with you.

Kings and Queens of Comedy Competition:

[contact-form-7 id=”7151″ title=”Kings and Queens of Comedy”]

Please Note:

1. Competition Closes on Monday, 5 February 2018.
2. Tickets are only valid for the specified dates and performance times, and my not be upgraded, or exchanged for cash, or for alternate performances.
3. The prize comprises of two tickets per Price Winner.
4. No-Shows will not receive replacement tickets.
5. By entering this competition, the participant agrees to the terms and conditions.
6. Excess entries may cause your email to be seen as spam.

The post Win Tickets to the Kings and Queens of Comedy appeared first on Stage and Screen.

In medieval times, a jester was employed by a nobleman or monarch to entertain him and his guests.  The heavyweights of South African comedy are by no means jesters, but they certainly do entertain…

Shining their comical armour and sharpening their witty swords for the night, the stellar line-up of comedy giants includes Joey Rasdien (MC), Khanyisa Bunu, Krijay Govender, Mark Banks, Mpho Popps, Muthu Murugan, Ndumiso Lindi, Rob van Vuuren, Tracey-Lee Oliver, Trevor Gumbi and Tumi Morake.

Leading the pack, Joey Rasdien takes the role of MC for this royal affair.  Instantly recognisable, his endearing stage persona is intellectually absurd, physically hysterical and thought-provoking.

Teacher-turned-comedienne/actress, Khanyisa Bunu is a fan favourite.  She was the first woman to win the audience choice award at the Comics’ Choice Awards and has also made her mark on SA TV with roles in Scandal! and Ses’Top La.

The dynamic Krijay Govender is one of the funniest woman in South Africa.  A stand-up comic, award-winning actress, playwright and director, she is a rare mix of brains, beauty and creativity.

With over 25 years in the industry, Mark Banks is one of the most respected comedians in the country.  He is widely recognised for his political satire and commonplace poke at the rich and famous, nothing and no-one is sacred to Mark’s blatant humour.

Mpho Popps has a reputation for enthralling audiences.  With a unique style all of his own, his tempting stage personality, hilarious social commentary and high-energy impersonations has had thousands of South Africans in stitches.

Known as the ‘King of Indian Comedy’, Muthu Murugan has been wowing audiences for many years.  Sharp-tongued and witty, Muthu will bring some Durban flavour to Johannesburg.

Ndumiso Lindi has come a long way from Zwelitsha, a small township in the Eastern Cape.  He is a brilliant young comic who is genuinely funny and his humour will appeal to fans across the demographic.

A household name in South Africa, Rob van Vuuren became a comedian by mistake while he was trying to be an actor.  A natural funnyman, he has established himself as one of the most prolific players in the entertainment scene – as an actor, writer, director, dancer and producer and has earned himself a very loyal following.

Tracey-Lee Oliver is a powerhouse singer, comedian and actress.  While she is no stranger to the stage, her move to musical comedy has taken her to another level.

While outspoken and sometimes controversial, Trevor Gumbi is a firm favourite in the comedy scene.  His underlying charm offsets his assertive energy on stage, as he brings to the stage some politically uncomfortable issues and delivers them with hilarity.

Tumi Morake’s impressive resume includes radio host, presenter, TV show host, brand ambassador, actress and ‘Queen of Comedy’ – her unique ability to deliver all the laughs and right punches has become synonymous with what fans have come to expect from this clever, witty and hilarious comedian.

Don’t miss the Kings & Queens of Comedy, 21 July 2017 at the Pavilion at the Sandton Convention Centre.  The show is rated PG16 and starts at 20h00.  Tickets from R185 and are available through Computicket.

The post Kings and Queens of Comedy appeared first on Stage and Screen.