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

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Mark Banks has come out of hibernation to bring you his new one-man stand up show – Mark Banks On Ice! Some nights the Russian All-Star Mints will make a guest appearance.

This year Mark is turning sixty and would love you to come celebrate his birthday with him in what is his favourite way to celebrate: You staring at him longingly and laughing as he talks nonstop for over an hour without anyone talking back to him.

Mark Banks has no idea how these random, outrageous, sometimes obscene thoughts come to him, they just do.

Sometimes they come in the form of a dream and other times in the form of a Rottweiler with his grandmother`s face. Both are equally terrifying but he will continue to pursue these thoughts in order to bring you the best in particular brand of wildly entertaining comedy. In Mark Banks On Ice, Mark will amaze you with jokes while jete-ing across the stage, he’ll wow you with his intellect with pirouetting on one toe, and stun you with moves that don’t even have a name in French.

Will there be characters? Yes. Will there be plot twists? Definitely. Will there be ice? Hard to say…

Tickets are available from the Box Office at The Theatre On The Bay and through Computicket:

Mark Banks on Ice!

The Theatre on the Bay

23  October to 2 November 2019

Tickets range from R108 – R200.

Dinner & Show R480 **3 course meal**

https://tickets.computicket.com/event/mark_banks_on_ice/7079031

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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.

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Born to Perform’s Shine 2019 is less than a month away, with over 450 talented young artists hard at work in rehearsals, preparing to blow audiences away as they take to The Teatro’s stage at Montecasino from Friday 13^th  – Sunday 15^th  September for just 4 shows only.

Be ready to be taken on a rollercoaster ride of fun and exhilaration while enjoying the astounding display of young talent in this year’s production of SHINE!

But Born To Perform is SO much more than “just” an opportunity for audiences to witness the energy and passion of young South African talent as they set the stage alight during the 2-hour show.

It is the culmination of many months (and years) of hard work, dedication of the artists and all those behind the scenes for the Joburg audiences to enjoy the end results of that hard work.

Born To Perform is also a place for young people to find their own journey through the Arts, giving them the opportunity for self-development and personal growth through their love and passion for the various performing arts genres.

Some of the highlights of what audiences can look forward to, are Yahto Kraft, recently a finalist in M-Net’s 3^rd season of The Voice SA, Zinah, John Tsenoli, and Philppa Higgins.  Added to this, there will be electrifying performances by more The Voice SA stars, like Craig Lucas and power-vocal-house, Thembeka Mnguni.

Exciting additions to this year’s line-up will be 20-year old Xae Memela and introducing upcoming artists Jamie Nell and Micah Stojakovic, both learners at Fourways High School.

The 450 young performers on stage will feature performances from Fourways High School, Mondeor High School, Curro Aurora – Sundowner and New Generation Pantsula Dancers from Alexandra.   Returning for another heart wrenching performance will be St Vincent’s School for the Deaf.

With material that includes songs from The Greatest Showman, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, as well as Justin Timberlake, Prince and Mozart, entertainment value will be high.

The show features a spectrum of musical and choreographic styles that will take the audience on a journey from pop to hip-hop, from ballet to rock ‘n roll to opera.

This is nothing short of a celebration! From ages 8 – 80, this is ideal family entertainment like no other!

A First at the Teatro – for 4 shows only! 

Experience the stars of tomorrow, on stage today!

The Teatro at Montecasino

Friday, 14 September at 20h00

Saturday, 15 September at 15h00 and 20h00

Sunday, 16 September at 15h00

The post Born to Perform 2019: Shine appeared first on Stage and Screen.

With thanks to the Producers of Born to Perform, we are giving away tickets to two families to go see tomorrow’s stars on stage today, during the 2019 SHINE performance by Born to Perform.

Born To Perform is also a place for young people to find their own journey through the Arts, giving them the opportunity for self-development and personal growth through their love and passion for the various performing arts genres.  Some of the highlights of what audiences can look forward to, are Yahto Kraft, recently a finalist in M-Net’s 3^rd season of The Voice SA, Zinah, John Tsenoli, and Philppa Higgins.  Added to this, there will be electrifying performances by more The Voice SA stars, like Craig Lucas and power-vocal-house, Thembeka Mnguni.

We have two sets of four tickets to give away to the performance on Friday, 13 September 2019 at 20h00, to be hosted by the Teatro, Montecasino, with a total prize value of R1 020.00 per prize.

Born to Perform Competition is now closed:  

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on 06 September 2019.
2. Tickets are only valid for the specified dates and performance times.
3. Seat allocations are up to the discretion of the promoters.
4. Tickets may not be upgraded, or exchanged for cash, or for alternate performances.
5. The prize comprises of two tickets per prize winner.
6. No-Shows will not receive replacement tickets.
7. By entering this competition, the participant agrees to the terms and conditions.
8. Prizes does not include accommodation and / or travel to and from the event.
9. Winners will be notified by mail.
10. One Entry per Email Address will be entered into the draw.

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Soli Philander the award-winning actor, television presenter, director, comedian, playwright, columnist and motivational speaker will be honoured at this years’ Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards as the Lifetime Achievement Recipient. With that comes the pleasure and pain of being at the centre of the Grilling of a Lifetime.

Now an integral part of the Savanna Comics’ Choice Award’s calendar, the Grilling of a Lifetime, is bestowed upon our Lifetime Achievement award recipient and unfolds in the most quintessential way, according to the comedy fraternity. A carefully selected panel of comedy luminaries grill the aforementioned legend in front of a live audience. Soli Philander has had a hand in picking his panel. Based on his assertions and general sentiment of how comedy is currently poised, he has insisted on a female only panel.

Soli firmly believes that now is the time for comedy to be seen as an industry and needs more players in the mix. His motivation for an all-female cast – we can only speculate! The industry is laden with great female comedians who will bring the heat and entertain without fear or favour. They will bring the sexy, sassy and most importantly the funny.

The Grilling will get fired up at Parkers Comedy Club, Montecasino on Wednesday the 21^st of August. Doors open at 18:00 and proceedings commence at 20:00.

Tickets are limited. Buy yours to this once-in-a-grilled-lifetime experience, through Computicket.

The Savanna CCAs thanks its partners – Savanna Premium Cider, Chatz Connect, Kaya FM 95.9, Channel24, Sound Stylists and Stageworks.

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Slap a Big High 5, as some of the continent’s most sought-after performers get their act together for another comedy-and-music spectacular. If your stomach muscles is up to it, do not miss this year’s national Big 5 Comedy Show, proudly supported by Comedy Central Africa, kicking off at the Teatro in Montecasino on Friday 26 July & Saturday 27 July.

Soak up the laughs when Stuart Taylor, John Vlismas, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Tats Nkonzo and Kurt Schoonraad take to the stage with plenty of fresh quips in their comedy arsenal.

After last year’s sold-out shows, this year’s edition promises to be another ground-breaker as Schalk, Kurt and Tats join the line-up. No doubt these household names will add tang, spice and new angles to the Big 5 family.

Entrepreneur, comedian and founder of Taylor Made Productions, Stuart Taylor once again returns as host with an even mightier team of funny men and a new line-up of exceptional talent. The man who is ‘Going Everywhere Quickly’, Stuart is the ringmaster who has the experience and know-how to keep his audience knee-slapping with mirth while introducing each of the Big 5 acts.

A comic artist who has carved a fresh set of grooves on stage, Tats Nkonzo is a renowned treasure-chest of humour, who cleverly combines musical vibes and charming wit, both in South Africa and abroad. The world is not enough for this talented artist who has won the Montreux Comedy Contest in Switzerland, back in 2014 and is currently a judge on the new global talent competition on CBS, ‘The World’s Best’ along with the likes of Drew Barrymore, Faith Hill and RuPaul.

Schalk Bezuidenhout has become a comic-giant, having racked up several nominations and awards whilst storming on the domestic and international stage. His quirky ‘stache’ and ‘fro’ complement a sharp tongue and a unique take on modern society. This performer truly is the epitome of young and smart comedy which represents the future of this industry.

An innovator and stalwart of the comedy scene, Kurt Schoonraad joins the team with his brilliant and witty jabs, all delivered with a distinct Cape Town flavour. A long road of fame and success which includes numerous local and international performances, as well as several film appearances, has made his performances truly exceptional, so prepare for loads of belly-laughs when he takes to the stage.

One of the heavy weights of SA Comedy, John Vlismas needs little introduction after many years on the comic circuit. Thought-provoking in his approach, there are no sacred cows he leaves untouched to bring his audience a different perspective. Get ready to rethink your opinions while laughing out loud with John’s unique style which completes the line-up for this awesome show.

Returning for more, The King of Beats is back. Big 5 Comedy’s resident scratch boss and legend, DJ Ready D, will use his award-winning skills to create an electric atmosphere. But be warned – he may just having you dancing in the aisles!

Doors open at 7:30pm and the show starts at 8pm.

Tickets are available at Computicket and range from R180 to R350 (with a 10% discount for block bookings of 10 or more people). Please note that the show is rated PG16.

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Hot 91.9 FM and Real Comedy are proud to announce the first HOT 91.9FM Comedy Jam, on Saturday 3^rd August 2019 at Emperors Palace. Award winning comedian David Kau will be the MC, and will be joined on stage by top South African comedians Barry Hilton, Mpho Popps, Chris Forrest, Nik Rabinowitz and Conrad Koch.

Barry Hilton has a delightful knack of finding the ludicrous and the humorous in daily situations to make us laugh at life. He is enormously funny and his global track record highlights a unique ability to cut through all boundaries and appeal to any nationality, race or age. Recognized as a South African Comedy Legend, his industry peers paid tribute to Barry by presenting him with A Lifetime Achiever Award in South Africa’s Annual Comics’ Choice Awards.

His genuinely funny bones, his uncanny ability to gauge a crowd, his firm stance on working clean, and his unflinching work ethic make Barry Hilton an institution that has stood the testament of time and continues to impress as he breaks new ground and makes ’em laugh all over the world.

Mpho Popps Modikoane, who was born in Soweto and grew up in Vosloorus, says when life handed him lemons he entered the So You Think You’re Funny comedy talent competition in 2009. He was contagiously funny and came in second. Tenacious Mpho has reached dizzy heights after only 10 years in the entertainment industry. But he says the dream doesn’t end here. Mpho still has a list of crazy but achievable goals lined up.

His hard work saw him earn a nomination in the first Annual Comics’ Choice Awards as best newcomer in 2011. He went on to win the award for Best Breakthrough Act in 2012 & 2013.

Conrad Koch is South Africa’s top comedy ventriloquist, and possibly the only one, and is a double International Emmy nominated comedian. His most famous puppet, Chester Missing, has won numerous awards in his own right, including being the first recipient of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Anti-Racism Award.

Chester Missing has interviewed most of South Africa’s political elite and has held a number of regular radio and TV slots, and even wrote an award-winning book. Conrad’s live shows have received wide political acclaim, and are a regular feature at arts and comedy festivals, including at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. The truth is, with a master’s degree in social anthropology, talking to puppets was his only career option.

Stand-up comic Nik Rabinowitz grew up on a farm in Africa, climbing trees and commentating on his own rugby games in three of South Africa’s eleven official languages. He was raised on the mean, green streets of Constantia, Cape Town, a world of ride-bys, piano lessons, and unrelenting love and financial support from family members.

Despite all this hardship he has still managed to be moderately successful, sporting a list of achievements the likes of which many can only aspire to. For instance, he once posed nude. Not because anyone asked him to, he just did it. Also, he represented South Africa at the Jewish Olympics, which is like the Special Olympics, with more accountants.

Chris Forrest has been on the forefront of the South African Comedy scene since the late nineties. His unique dry sense of humour, quick wit and intelligent comedy has made him one of the country’s most popular comedians and ensured that audiences are left in stitches wherever he goes.

Chris started out at the “Funny Farm”, and has since gone on to perform on every worthwhile comedy club, showcase or festival in the country including South Africa’s premier comedy show: The 46664 “It’s No Joke” comedy show as one of South Africa’s top 10 comics, he’s also a regular on The Blacks Only Show, and featured regularly on the Heavyweight Comedy Jam and the Kingsize Comedy Show. International festivals include: The Edinburgh Festival, The Lyric Theatre in London and The Round Table Comedy Show in Ghana,

Director, producer, MC & comedian David Kau needs no introduction – over the past 20 years of his career as a comedian his outlook on everything South African has earned him a strong following.

HOT91.9 FM Comedy Jam

Saturday 3^rd August at Centre Court, Emperors Palace

Saturday 3^rd August

Doors open at 7pm; show at 8pm

The line-up includes Barry Hilton, Mpho Popps, Chris Forrest, Nik Rabinowitz, Conrad Koch, and with host David Kau

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The Penny Appeal way of doing charity is simple; They take small change and make a Big difference with it.  In a first for the organisation, they have announced their first South African comedy tour, Penny For A Laugh, to highlight and raise funds for some of their local projects.

Hosted by Riaad Moosa, the tour will feature an all-star line-up with Annalakshmi, Chris Forrest, Conrad Koch & Chester Missing, Farhan Esat, Mo Vawda, Ndumiso Lindi, Neil Green (Durban show only), Sifiso Nene (Cape Town show only), Simmi Areff and Tumi Morake.

Penny Appeal is a relief and development organisation providing aid to communities in need, while advocating and addressing the needs of marginalized groups.  Penny For A Laugh, progressed by Blu Blood, has been inspired with the intention of raising funds for Penny Appeal’s local projects and creating awareness about the various thematic areas of focus under which they work.

Proceeds will go towards various projects including Penny Appeal’s ‘Children of the World’ campaign. The campaign is focused on orphaned and vulnerable children, as well as marginalized communities across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Penny Appeal provides support to such groups by sponsoring orphans, building orphan homes, providing access to clean water, and ensuring that communities have an opportunity to transform themselves out of poverty. Proceeds from the tour will enable the OrphanKind Programme, which serves orphans and vulnerable children around the world and provide essential services including their mobile medical bus for South Africa.

Penny for a Laugh

Durban ICC – 12 July 2019

Cape Town ICC – 19 July 2019

Johannesburg, Vodacom World – 20 July 2019

Tickets from R200, available from Computicket.

For more information on Penny Appeal and how to donate to their cause, visit www.pennyappeal.org.za.

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Following the incredible success of SHINE! 2018, Born To Perform is excited to announce the show will be re-staged at The Teatro at Montecasino from Friday,13^th –  Sunday, 15^th September for four performances only.

Born To Perform was founded in 2015 by Gemma and Matthew Marinus as a platform to give young performers opportunities and experiences in the arts working alongside seasoned professionals, whilst allowing self-development and personal growth through the love and passion for various performing arts.

In 2018, Born To Perform played to sold-out audiences at The Lyric at Gold Reef City and they are thrilled to announce their new collaboration with Montecasino for 2019’s show, with some variations and unexpected new surprises, taking the show to the next level.

There’s nothing quite like witnessing the energy of 450 passionate young performers on stage, alongside celebrity appearances by The Voice SA Winner Craig Lucas and The Voice SA Finalist Thembeka Mnguni as well as a special appearance from Yahto Kraft from the current season of The Voice SA.

With material that includes songs from The Greatest Showman, Hamilton, School Of Rock, as well as Justin Timberlake, Prince and Mozart, entertainment value will be high. The productions features a spectrum of musical and choreographic styles that will take the audience on a journey from pop to hip-hop, from ballet to rock ‘n roll to opera.

Born To Perform artists John Tsenoli and Philippa Higgins, who gave standout performances in 2018, will return to set the stage alight with their original numbers. Tugging at the heartstrings once again will be a performance by Buddy Sacks, as they all showcase their young talent at its best, covering current and relevant topics with strong positive and transformative messages to the youth.

Popular Born To Perform star, ZINAH returns as the MC for the shows, keeping the audiences dazzled and captivated throughout.

This year’s line-up will feature another Born To Perform sensation Siyolise Mkondweni and introduce new upcoming artists Jamie Nell and Micah Stojakovic, both learners at Fourways High School.

The 450 young performers on stage will feature performances from Fourways High School, Mondeor High School, Curro Aurora – Sundowner and New Generation Pantsula Dancers from Alexandra.

Returning for another heart-warming performance will be St Vincents School of the Deaf. 

This is nothing short of a celebration! From ages 8 – 80, this is ideal family entertainment like no other!

Group School Bookings are available on request by emailing bookings@borntoperform.co.za .

Upon confirmation, Group School Bookings of 20 seats and more will receive the added benefit of a SHINE! Workshop delivered by Born To Perform, at their school.

A special performance made accessible for the deaf community will be taking place on Saturday 14^th September at the 15h00 performance, with an on-stage signer.

At this performance, audiences have access to the Opticon system for the hearing impaired. This facility is only available in specific seats within The Teatro, so bookings would need to be made directly with the Teatro Box Office on 011 510 7472.
Various Public Group Bookings and Tsogo Sun Rewards Discounts are available through Computicket.

Follow Born to Perform:

Website: www.borntoperform.co.za

Instagram : borntoperform.world

Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Borntoperformgala

YouTube: Born To Perform TV

SHINE! 2019 is produced by Born To Perform NPC, Created & Directed by Gemma Marinus, Bryan Schimmel and Matthew Marinus with Design by Oliver Hauser.

With grateful thanks to Montecasino, Howard Audio, Gearhouse Splitbeam, The CoLab Network. Computicket, Kelsey Mastering and Justine Mac Photography.

A First at the Teatro – for 4 shows only! 

Experience the stars of tomorrow, on stage today!

The Teatro at Montecasino

Friday, 14 September at 20h00

Saturday, 15 September at 15h00 and 20h00

Sunday, 16 September at 15h00

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