Funny Festival delivers a 5-star night of laughter

THE Jive Cape Town Funny Festival delivered by Turkish Airlines is best described as a first class example of variety meeting stand-up comedy. Brain child of comedy entrepreneur Eddy Cassar, the show, which runs at the Baxter Theatre nightly till August 7, has been playing to packed houses since it opened on July 11.

It is fair to say that one would expect a great show from the stellar cast assembled. Put Marc Lottering, Alan Committie, Ennio Marchetto and Kev Orkian on the same bill and you are sure to have a hit. Not necessarily.

There is a chemistry and energy generated by the lesser known comics like Glen Biderman-Pam, Justin-Ray Stoffels, The Big Boys, Gino Fabbri and Yaaseen Barnes that moulds the show into a fivestar experience.

Alan Committie is masterful as the MC. Drawing on years of one-man theatre experience he has a unique knack of preparing the audience for the show and, specifically, for each artist.

Every artist glides onto the stage and presents their piece with an easiness that belies their nerves. This is a result of a good master of ceremonies plying his craft to perfection.

The show has many highlights. Needless to say, Lottering, who is adored by Funny Festival fans, delivers a powerful set of the “world according to Marc”, laughing at situations that make up our everyday life. He is a genius at work.

There isn’t a weak act. Lesser known comedians, Glen Biderman-Pam and Justin-Ray Stoffels impress and keep the laughter at fever pitch.

Biderman-Pam is hilarious while Stoffels, in his first time in front of such a large audience, laments losing his girlfriend to a guy who works for Lewis furniture store!

Surprises include The Big Boys from the Kalk Bay Theatre and Port Elizabeth funny man Gino Fabbri. The routines are executed to perfection and are hilarious and will have you chuckling for days.

The Funny Festival is renowned for recruiting top international variety acts. Two are included this year. Italian super star, Ennio Marchetto, best described as a comedic live entertainer whose performance features quick-change artistry and impersonations, presenting twenty artists to popular backing tracks. He is well known around the world as “The Living Paper Cartoon”. He is a must see.

Kev Orkian is no stranger to the Funny Festival. As a classically trained pianist, Orkian’s keyboard wizardry, with his Victor Borge style comedy, has made him one of the most sought-after comedy variety acts on the circuit.

The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival, delivered by Turkish Airlines holds its reputation as a great comedic night out. It runs until August 7. Booking can be made through Computicket. There are generous discounts with group bookings. Be sure not to miss it. Ginno Fabbri Marc Lottering The Big Boys Yaaseen Barnes