Three, One man acts to go see

Ten years ago, had you asked if I would like to go to the National Arts Festival, I would probably have punched you in the face, just to point out how manly I am. Today, I am still not a big fan of ‘arty farty’ festivals, however, this year’s National Arts Festival in Grahamstown seems to be the place to be for any fan of comedy. Who knew it was an art? 

The festival starts on the 30^th of June and if you find yourself lucky enough to be in Grahamstown due to that wrong turn you took in Port Elizabeth and having run out of petrol, here are three shows that I think you should definitely make time for while you wait for the petrol price to drop.

Rob van Vuuren – Live!

St. Andrew’s Hall:

30 June 21:00;

1 July 13:30; 3 July 15:30; 4 July 22:00; 5 July 16:00; 6 July 10:00; 7 July 17:30; 8 July 18:00; 9 July 14:30

Tickets: R40 – R70

Special discount:

30 June 21:00 – only R50

“Winner of the 2011 Comic Choice Award” What does that mean? It means the other comedians in South Africa came together and chose one comic who is funnier than all of them, and Rob van Vuuren is the guy  they chose. What a wise choice indeed. Following on his last show, Rob van Vuuren is Rob van Vuuren, Rob comes with a brand new show and is ready to blow you away, with golden showers of nothingness. 

In your face! 

I have seen parts of the show while Rob was still working on it and doing sessions at Kalk Bay Theatre earlier this year and I can honestly say you will be in for a treat. Even though Rob is a newcomer to stand up, he is a black belt in comedy. This guy will be able to make you laugh while you are falling to your death after your parachute didn’t open. I, personally cannot wait until he brings this show to Cape Town, to see it in its completed form. Also, be sure to look out for Rob and Louw Venter in The Most Amazing Show also at the National Arts Festival. They don’t call it “The Most Amazing show” for nothing.

Martin Evans – Hellpants and the FBPK

Directed – Keri Miller

OB’s Scout Hall:

30 June 16:00; 1 July 18:00; 2 July 20:00; 3 July 22:00; 4 July 12:00; 6 July 14:00; 7 July 18:00; 8 July 14:00;9 July 16:00 & 20:00

Tickets: R40 – R53

Special discount:

30 June 16:00 – only R35

"Full Body Poes Klap", I asked so that you don't have too. 

Martin Evans had one kak year. He was a man with a dream. Then he broke his leg in a scooter accident. He didn’t just break his leg though, He proper broke his leg. He was in and out of hospital for the better part of the year, but he didn’t let a broken leg get him down. He used that time to work on his new one man show. He also chatted up Keri Miller from 94.5 KFM radio fame. What made her decide to get engaged to a man who walked funny and whose professional job is to stand in front of people and make them laugh? No one knows. I like to believe it is his incredible charisma. When Martin starts his act there is no stopping him. Oh you can try and interrupt him but you do this at your own risk. Martin handles hecklers better than most of us handle flies. He isn’t afraid to make any joke and, you can believe me, he will cross that line if he feels it necessary. I have yet to see Martin in a one man show, but he is the main reason I became a fan of the local comedy scene after moving to Cape Town in 2007. I have also seen enough of his work to know that this is going to be great. Tickets are almost sold out and he has already received a few five star reviews. This show cannot be missed!

Mark Palmer – Best Medicine

Drill Hall:

30 June 17:30; 1 July 21:30; 2 July 15:00; 3 July 10:00; 4 July 16:30; 5 July 15:00; 6 July 19:00; 7 July 17:30; 8 July 10:00; 9 July 19:00

Tickets: R45 - R50

Special Discount:

30 June 17:30 – only R40

Plamer, Mark Palmer

Now the previous two acts will probably leave your 8 year old son asking you what sperm is, or your 7 year old daughter asking you what a “poes klap” is. Best Medicine however is good clean fun for the whole family. Even Granny will laugh as Mark paints a picture of how he defends his home from things that go bump in the night. Mark will cure any ailment with his slice of life style of comedy. With some jaw dropping moments when Mark shows you what a wordsmith he is. Let Mark take you on the adventure that is his life and the funny he sees in it.

The festival runs from June 30^th to July 10^th 2011. Follow the link below for the complete program. 

National Arts Festival