The Independent on Saturday

Bumper filled comedy week

- TANYA WATERWORTH

THERE will be good vibes spreading across the city as comedy big names jet in for a string of shows next week, providing laughter and fun.

First up is An Evening of Chemody at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at 7.30pm on Monday. John Vlismas, Aaron McIlroy and Jem Atkins will take to the stage in a fundraisin­g evening for Durban’s theatre veteran, Themi Venturas, who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Tickets, at R225 each, are available via Computicke­t.

This will be followed by Savanna Durban Comedy Week starting on Wednesday evening. There are five shows with Robby Collins, Marc Lottering, Sifiso Nene, newcomer Nathaniel and some of Durban’s funniest acts, such as Annalakshm­i, Kamz Govender, Neil Green, Marvin Peters, Tyson Heffer, Neville Pillay, Mo Vawda and Jem Atkins.

Atkins is organising An Evening of Chemody and Durban Comedy Week. He said this week that Venturas’ reputation as an entertainm­ent profession­al preceded him.

“Many people speak highly of him and of his contributi­on to the arts, so I’m thrilled to be a part of this show and be able to contribute financiall­y towards his treatment,” said Atkins.

Selected by Trevor Noah as his opening act for more than 70 of Noah’s shows, Joburg-based Collins has played to some of the biggest audiences in the country: The Heavy Weight Comedy Jam, Kings and Queens of Comedy, and Comedy Central Live at Parkers.

Sifiso Nene is also one of SA’s fastest rising comedy stars; Durban-based comic; Annalakshm­i sings in a variety of Indian vernacular as well as English to tackle family, social, economic and political issues; Kamz Govender is known as the “deadpan” comic, with his one-liners keeping the crowd rolling in their seats, while Neville PIllay and Neil Green are familiar faces on the Durban comedy scene.

Wednesday’s shows are at the Amsterdam Comedy Club in Glenwood and Butlers Comedy Night in Hillcrest.

The Riverside Hotel in Durban North will host the Riverside Comedy Night on Thursday. Robby Collins and he will share the limelight with Neil Green, Sifiso Nene, Mo Vawda and Nathaniel.

Friday, June 30 will see Friday Night Comedy at Gateway Hotel, with host Neville Pillay bringing Robby Collins, Marc Lottering, Annalakshm­i and Kamz Govender, as well as Nathaniel on the stage.

On Saturday July 1, the Ballito Comedy Night will be at the Pumpkin Theatre at La Montagne in Ballito with Marc Lottering, Robby Collins, Kamz Govender, Mo Vawda and Nathaniel in the line-up.

For more informatio­n see www.onfirecome­dy.co.za or check On Fire Comedy on Facebook. Tickets through Computicke­t.

 ??  ?? NEW GENERATION: Robby Collins is often an opening act for Trevor Noah. Collins will be in Durban for the Savanna Comedy Week.
NEW GENERATION: Robby Collins is often an opening act for Trevor Noah. Collins will be in Durban for the Savanna Comedy Week.
 ??  ?? HOME-GROWN: Durban’s Annalakshm­i will keep audiences delighted with her candid commentary.
HOME-GROWN: Durban’s Annalakshm­i will keep audiences delighted with her candid commentary.
 ??  ?? FAN FAVOURITE: Marc Lottering will also be in town for Comedy Week.
FAN FAVOURITE: Marc Lottering will also be in town for Comedy Week.

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