LAUGH OR TWO AWAY
CAPE Town’s winter comedic tonic, The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival returns to the Baxter Theatre from July 10 until August 6.
The show will boast a top cast of local stand-up and international comedians.
Founded and curated by Eddy Cassar in 1997, the 2017 Cape Town Funny Festival is the 13th edition of the comedy project. The festival will consist of 30 performances.
The local cast includes Marc Lottering, Dalin Oliver, Daniel Mpilo Richards, Mel Jones, Loyiso Madinga and Ndumiso Lindi.
The show will be emceed by Alan Committie.
Well known for his one-man shows and his directing and acting acumen, Committie is respected as a top class master of ceremony.
In the UK, where he regularly showcases his work as MC, he draws strong reviews. The local stand-up comedy industry is booming.
Limited to political satire prior to 1994, the comedy industry has grown in leaps and bounds since.
It embraces all forms of the art form and is performed to large audiences throughout the country, many times to packed theatres with comedy delivered in the vernacular.
The international variety performers include Mario: Queen of the Circus from the US, comedic contortionist, Captain Frodo from Norway and award-winning, Edinburgh Fringe Festival comedy magician, Paul Dabek from London.
Mario: Queen of the Circus’s act revolves around the music of the 1980s super group Queen and the artist’s skill and talent in juggling and holding a crowd. Initially a street performer in New York City, Mario’s fascination with the band led to the creation of his persona, Freddie Mercury. La Soiree, upward trajectory. The magician has developed a routine, which has a spectacular ending, which is best experienced in the theatre.
He has been rewarded with accolades on the Adelaide Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he has developed a strong fan base.
The Funny Festival tries to accommodate as many local performers as possible, offering some of them a two-week run. It is, therefore important to check the website to see who is on a particular show.
However, Committie, Lottering, Mario: Queen of the Circus and Captain Frodo perform for the full festival.
Tickets cost R190, with discounts offered to groups of 10 or more. The Cape Town Funny Festival has become a favourite fund-raiser for many local clubs, schools, charities and organisations. It is billed as a “fun night out for the entire family”. Book at Computicket. For group bookings call the Baxter Theatre on 021 6857800.
Limited to political satire prior to 1994, the comedy industry has grown in leaps and bounds since. It embraces all forms of the art