Funny Festival celebrates 25 years

THE Jive Cape Town Funny Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Baxter Theatre from June 10 to July 7.

This year sees the return of two popular international performers in classical comedic pianist Kev Orkian from the UK, and US superstar Mario Queen of the Circus, who interrupts his world tour to perform.

Add South Africa’s talented performing brothers Emo and Loukmaan Adams and Alan Committie as master of ceremonies and the show is bound to have you rolling in the aisles.

The man behind the comedy brand, Eddy Cassar, spoke on his 25-year journey in the industry.

“Comedy has been a hobby for as long as I can remember, so the Funny Festival was an extension of my hobby, which later became a business. It has always been fun. I always said that once it became a hassle or drag, I would stop,” Cassar said.

“I have had to deal with some hairy incidents over the early years, with performers and substance abuse, dealers, rent boys and prostitutes and the most difficult problem, inflated egos. I stamped out most of the problems very quickly and became known as a no-nonsense promoter.”

The festival has become a comedic institution showcasing not only the brilliance of local giants like Trevor Noah, Tumi Morake, Riaad Moosa, Nik Rabinowitz, Alan Committie and Marc Lottering, but global giants like Jimmy Carr, Lee Mac, Adam Hills, Russell Peters, Paul Zerdin, and Nina Conti.

Cassar said: “I have learnt that the best way to keep events fresh is to learn from the negatives and remember the positives. The audience are the best gauge of relevancy.

“The Funny Festival is a curated festival, which means I get to choose who performs. I have my finger on the local industry and visit the international festivals to learn about trends and new faces.”

Leading SA comics on the bill including Capetonians Dalin Oliver, Kagiso KG Mokgadi, Yaaseen Barnes together with Jo’burgers Khanyisa Bunu, Sifiso Nene and Dillan Oliphant.

Tickets cost R210 via Webtickets.