Laugh your socks off at Funny Festival
CAPE Town’s winter comedic tonic, the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival, starts its annual monthlong run at the Baxter Theatre this evening.
The festival, the largest of its type in the country, consists of 30 gala performances and is a favourite with Capetonians.
Last year the City of Cape Town’s Economic Development and Tourism Department elevated the Cape Town Funny Festival to “jewel” status, as the project addresses some of its key strategic goals, such as seasonality and development of local talent.
Today it’s well respected by local and international performers as a blue-chip festival on the international comedy circuit. Its brand identity mirrors the local culture and customs of Cape Town and the region, and excludes profanities by choice.
The Cape Town Funny Festival is best described as a gala showcase, at which local stand-up comics meet five-star, international, variety performers.
Flying the South African flag are Marc Lottering and Alan Committie, both at the pinnacle of their careers and both local favourites.
Along with fellow Capetonians Mel Jones, Dalin Oliver and Daniel Mpilo Richards, they will paint a picture of the state of the nation’s comedic position.
Add Gauteng heavyweights Loyiso Madinga and Ndumiso Lindi and patrons will get a composite picture of the country’s funny bone.
The top international variety acts are Freddie Mercury look-alike and alter-ego, American Mario, Queen of the Circus; the world’s leading comedy contortionist, one of Norway’s top cultural exports, Captain Frodo; and top London comic magician Paul Dabek.
The project is heavily supported by local charities, sport and social clubs as their winter fundraiser.
It is at the Baxter Theatre from July 10 to August 6.
Tickets cost R190 with discounts on bulk bookings of over 10.
Bookings can be made through Computicket.