Funny festival celebrates 25 years of laughter
The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival which takes place at the Baxter Theatre from Monday June 10 to Sunday July 7, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
The Funny Festival’s long-standing legacy, international appeal, support from sponsors and local government, commitment to emerging talent, remarkable ticket sales and strong business acumen, make it the stand-out annual project on Cape Town’s event calendar.
Cape Community Media, publishers of this title and its 12 sister titles, is the print media partner of the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival.
This year, the festival’s silver jubilee, sees the return of two of its most popular international specialty 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 in Cape Town.
Add South Africa’s most talented performing brothers, Emo and Loukmaan Adams and Alan Committie, the country’s leading master of ceremonies and the show is bound to have you rolling in the aisles.
A group of the country’s leading comics joins the bill, including Capetonians Dalin Oliver, Kagiso KG Mokgadi, Yaaseen Barnes with Khanyisa Bunu, Sifiso Nene and Dillan Oliphant from Johannesburg.
Eddy Cassar Public Relations founded and has annually curated and produced the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival since its inception in 1997. It is the oldest and largest comedy project in the country.
Cape Town mayor Geordon Hill-Lewis says: “We cannot wait to welcome the world to Cape Town – and to our iconic Baxter Theatre – for four weeks of laughter in June as the Jive Funny Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary.
“This festival has become a highlight on the Cape Town calendar, and is without a doubt the best comedy event in South Africa. The City of Cape Town is proud to support the Jive Funny Festival, and I wish the organisers, the performers and everyone attending a wonderful and hilarious festival.”
The Funny 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, Nina Conti, Tape Face and many others from around the globe.
Part of the festival is the Jive Funny Championships for aspiring comedians. This year it runs from April 24 to May 22. Entries close on Thursday April 18 with auditions on Saturday April 20. The heats will run from April 24 to May 15, culminating in the finals on May 22.
The Funny Championships take place at Canal Walk Auditorium and tickets for the heats are R50. For more details about the competition, visit https://jivefunnychampionship.co.za or WhatsApp 073 289 5349.
By offering a platform for new stand-up comedians, the festival contributes to the growth and diversification of the comedy industry, ensuring a continuous influx of fresh voices and perspectives.
Tickets cost R210 each. Generous discounts are offered for corporate and group bookings. Book at Webtickets. For more information and the full line-up, visit https://funnyfestival.co.za