That night at News Cafe

It is Tuesday night. I am tired. Work is crazy. All I need now is to crawl into bed and go to sleep. Get ready for Wednesday - the most important day of the corporate lifestyle. After Wednesday no real work gets done. No one makes important decisions on a Thursday, and definitely not on a Friday. The last time any big decisions were made on a Friday it was whether Zebras should have stripes or not... Think about it. It is in the Bible.

But no, the faiths had different plans for me. I found out, as I do, about a comedy event happening in what could be called my backyard. I don’t actually own it, but it's less than 10 kilometres away from where I live, and when you live in a big city, that is your backyard. Yes, the comedy event was at News Cafe in Table View (or Blaauberg Strand, Dolpin Beach, whatever you feel like calling it). The MC for the night was none other than Mark Palmer. You can’t ask for a better MC than him. I have two favourites when it comes to MC’ing - Mark Palmer and Rob van Vuuren. Rob, as my more regular readers will know, I find hilarious. Almost so much, that he might out shine the other acts. Mark Palmer is my other favourite.

He is a professional through and through. He will get on stage and immediately point out the ‘targets’ as I like to call them. Targets are people who the rest of the comedians will interact with. They are usually the people closest to the stage or whoever is sitting at the back, shouting answers to questions they weren’t asked. The latter actually fall into their own little group, which I have no name for. They are like zits, they happen. Mark goes through his routine, while picking up names and interacting with the crowd. His job is to set the mood for the rest of the evening and he does it wonderfully. He had some new jokes which was refreshing. Alex, an audience member who basically sat on stage, was the main target of his ad lib jokes. Alex, is bald so of course he was picked on for that.

Left to Right: Me, Angel, Kurt, Mark and Werner

Just a side note, when a comic picks on you, it isn’t like when you were in high school and the jock, who played first team rugby, picked on you. They know, or at the very least assume, you are there for the comedy. Therefore you have a sense of humour and you should be able to take a joke. So when a comic picks on you, it's all in good fun and should never be taken seriously.

Mark called the opening act on stage. A female comic named Angel. As he said her name, and reassured the crowd that Angel was, in fact, her real name, I could already hear someone scream “STRIPPER” from the back. What a gentleman.

Angel Blythe has only been doing stand up for two months now. So, performing with names like Mark Palmer and Kurt Schoonraad should be a real honour for her, but at the same time, nerve racking. She started with her routine and while nervous, she had a certain amount of confidence in her voice. That being said, she talked way too fast and if she slowed down a bit, she would be easier to understand and would probably get more laughs. All comedians start somewhere though and she is definitely a go getter.

After Angel, Martin introduced the last act of the first half. A man who in 18 months of doing stand up, is already organising events (he organised this gig) and has a one man show coming up soon. Werner Weber has a ‘take no prisoners’ attitude. He tells things as they are. He isn’t scared to bring up topics others might find offensive or gross. You can see he enjoys being on stage and he has progressed more, in a year and a half of doing stand up, than some have done in five years. His show is at On Broadway, from 26 – 28 September, but I will give you more info about that later.

Interval came around and I really should have gone to the loo by now. I ordered another beer instead and 15 minutes later it was time for the main act - Kurt Schoonraad, all the way from Mitchells Plain, Cape Town.

Kurt has been doing stand up for 12 years now so he is no stranger to a crowd or the mic. You can see the difference experience makes. I had never seen Kurt up until now so I had no idea what to expect. Needless to say he impressed with his jokes about living in Mitchells Plain and being pulled over by traffic officers around the country. Time just flew by as he had the crowd hanging onto every word. Not even the loud hippy chick in the back could break his stride. It was pure art in motion. Who needs the loo?

Crazy faces, and me with my default pose

The night drew to a close and I finally remembered that I still needed the loo, and did something about it. I got my photo opportunity with the comics and had a quick chat with the organiser, Werner. These shows will be happening at News Cafe in Table View once a month and people are booking fast. At R50 a ticket, which includes a free Savannah, this is a great way to be exposed to all degrees of comedy. I have already booked my seats for next month. See you there.

Review: Rob van Vuuren - Live

Who is Rob van Vuuren? He is a man of many talents - stage actor, tv presenter, director, and for the last two years or so, stand up comedian. Let’s speak about the latter incarnation of Rob van Vuuren.

When Rob gets on stage he doesn’t even need to open his mouth for the crowd to laugh. In fact, for the first part of his latest show, he doesn’t. He could just stand there and look at you and you would be overcome with laughter. It is eerie. Almost like he has a aura of humour around him. Thankfully, this is not Rob’s whole act. First he takes it upon himself to teach the audience a little respect, then he blasts into his rendition of the National Anthem - which he duly messes up. Just four days after the now famous Ard incident, Rob already has a routine written into his show, and it seems like he has been doing the joke for months. It was beautifully hilarious. It also showed that he doesn’t just put on the exact same show night in and night out - he is keeping it fresh.

How can you not laugh at that face?

Rob tells stories from his own life experiences. Topics range from going to a Catholic church service, and masturbating in his car, to his daughter’s first poo. His style of comedy is very physical and he brings a lot of energy to the stage. He isn’t afraid to get his audience involved either and if you don’t like a man standing with his crotch in your face shooting you with "golden showers of nothing", the front row is probably not the best spot for you. But don’t think you are safe further away from stage either. One lady learnt this the hard way when she left her phone on during the show (yes, people like this still exist).Without missing a beat Rob leapt of stage to go find the culprit and her phone. Brought it on stage and learned that it did indeed have a vibrate function. Into his pants it went... needless to say, that lady will never leave her phone on in a theatre again. Especially not at a Rob van Vuuren show.

Watching Rob van Vuuren perform is watching the personification of Comedic Genius. This has been true for years with his role as Twakkie in The Most Amazing Show and it is no different with his latest stand up show. While it's not for the easily offended, it is also not overly offensive. He has found the perfect middle ground which will sit well with most stand up fans. The show is a must see and if you do, pray someone keeps their phone on - just make sure it's not you.

Starving Comics Gigs

There are starving comics out there people and the need your support. Below is a list of this week's shows around Cape Town.

SUNDAY 28 Aug:

Comics@Work- Audience Welcome

ARMCHAIR- Lower Main Rd, OBZ

8pm

THE ROAST OF LAZOLA GOLA

Our dear friend and comedian has decided to move back to Joburg and in honour, we will ROAST him...

ROAST MASTER: CHRISTOPHER STEENKAMP

ROASTERS: Rustum August, Peter Sserwanga, Gino Fernandez, Carl Weber, Dylan Skews, Kurt Langeveld, Nicholas Klein, Milo Hot Chocolate & Liam Bento

MONDAY 29 Sept:

C.O.M.E (Comedy On Monday Evening)

Zula Sound Bar (98 Long ST, C.T)

9pm. R40 cover

0796166333 Info

MC- MARTIN DAVIS (UK)

- SIFISO NENE (DBN) - Winner: So you think you funny 2008

- ANNE HIRSCH - Winner: So you think you funny 2009

- David Crommelin - Comedy newbie

- Rustum August - One liner guy

WEDNESDAY 31:

OPEN MIC COMEDY NIGHT

RAGAZZI (33 Long St, Opposite the KFC)

8pm R30 cover

HOST: RUSTUM AUGUST

H/L- GINO FERNANDEZ

SUPPORT ACTS: MILO HOT CHOCOLATE & LIAM BENTO

Including 7 comedy newbies...

*************

BOOK-A-SEAT COMEDY

MASONS

Cnr. Kloof & King Street

8.15pm R30 including a drink on arrival

MC- BRENAN MURRAY

SUPPORT: DYLAN SKEWS, CARL WEBER & PETER SSERWANGA

Open Spots: Kellyn Coetzee & Angel Campey

SATURDAY 3 Sept:

OLD BRIDGE TAVERN

MC: Paul Snodgrass

Support Acts: Milo Hot Chocolate, Shaun Fickling & Marcel Oudejans

Bookings & Info: http://www.oldbridgetavern.co.za/comedy-the-bridge.html

And just like that...

...it's weekend.


I had such a long week. Been sick. So therefore this reply is late. But hey, still Friday, so I am not breaking the rules that I wrote myself. So there.


Today I give you Brain Regan, a man that can make anything funny.





Enjoy the weekend, remember to put your eggs in the egg area. 

Ndumiso Lindi at On Broadway

As far as I know Ndumiso has only been to Cape Town twice in the last two years. He was part of last year's Vodacom Funny Festival and this year's Nando's Comedy Festival. He is a talented comedian and it will be great to see him do something for longer than the 15 minutes comics usually get at these festivals.

THREE SHOWS ONLY - SUNDAY 28th to TUESDAY 30th AUGUST 2011 @ 20h30 Tickets R85 per person, Students R65, groups of 10 or more R75
Known for his trademark hat, funky urban stylish look and brilliant impersonations of the Madiba Jive, Ndumiso Lindi is regarded as one of South Africa's top black comedians. An entertainer with flair, Ndumiso delves into honest observations of everyday life in South Africa; the diversity of South African cultures; as well as the uniqueness of black people. Painting the nation from a young black man's point of view, this talented man is well on his way to the top!

After moving to Cape Town from Zwelitsha, a small township next to KingWilliam's Town in the Eastern Cape where he was born and raised, Ndumiso had never imagined that a national diploma in design at the Cape Technikon would be the start of a whole new creative world. Inspired by his family and the likes of Eddie Murphy and Bill Cosby, his first big break came in 2004 during the Vodacom Comedy Campus Tour, where Ndumiso took his act to the stage for 3 minutes! It was these 3 minutes that got Ndumiso into the Comedy AllStars Collective, performing at a host of city venues, including the celebrated Independent Armchair Theatre in Cape Town. It was at this point that many could see the rising of this young talented comedian.

In 2004 Ndumiso won Best Newcomer in the Red Bull Comedy AllStars Comedy Challenge. Ndumiso then started touring South Africa and has performed at the Barnyard Theatres in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg. He has shared the stage with local award winning comedy gurus such as Kurt Schoonraad, Mel Miller, Riaad Moosa, Stuart Taylor, Dave Levinsohn, Cokey Falkow, Marc Lottering and David Kau.

At the Blacks Only Comedy shows in Johannesburg, he received countless ovations and praise from the media. He went on to share the stage with the best in the business at the Heavyweights Comedy Jam, headlining in both the Vodacom Comedy Campus tour and Vodacom Funny Festival. He has also made his mark in corporate events and has wowed the rock audience when he headlined the comedy section at the rock festival - Rocking the Daisies.

Most recently Ndumiso has performed at the 46664 It's No Joke Comedy show and rocking NIgeria twice. He has performed at all big comedy festivals in South Africa in the past two years and will shortly headline with the Nando's Comedy Festival.

Ndumiso believes in putting his heart and mind into everything he loves doing the most. Clear the way because Ndumiso Lindi is about to take centre stage!

Book now at Computicket

Money’s Too Tight To Mention at the Baxter

Following hot on the heels of the very successful one man show, Learner Husband, FNB, in association with DStv proudly bring you Stuart Taylor’s ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention,’ at the Baxter Concert Hall for four performances only from 31 August to 3 September at 8.15pm

The award winning duo of comedian Stuart Taylor and director Heinrich Reisenhofer have teamed up once again to create yet another sure-fire comedy that features witty stories, astute observations and thought-provoking punch lines that will have you bent over with laughter.
With Taylor’s style being aptly described as classy, laid back and enigmatic, ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention,’ explores the crazy ups and downs on the roller-coaster ride of aspiration. In his light hearted, infectious style Taylor comes to grip with our current financial crisis, the drive to keep up with the new Joneses and shares some humorous inspiring tips on how to get through the rough patch.


“If you’ve ever thought, ‘I can’t believe how broke I am,’ this show is for you. If you ever opened your bond account and thought, ‘I can’t believe I owe someone this much money,’ this show is for you. If lately you’ve had to give up luxuries like naked sushi and replace it with a can of pilchards on your wife’s tummy, this show is certainly for you!” adds Taylor.

“In announcing that FNB is proudly supporting ‘Money’s Too Tight to Mention’, I have received some questioning looks,” says Bernice Samuels, Chief Marketing Officer of FNB. “While we do not take financial matters lightly, FNB has followed a consistent strategy of seeking novel ways to uplift and enlighten people. In reality, we all gain some of our most enduring messages via comedy. And the saying ‘many a true word in jest’ will resonate clearly through this brilliant performance”.

“As we all look at our budgets with a closer focus in the closing months of 2011, I trust that ‘MTTTM’ as part of the comedic art will both educate, amuse and entertain us to an even higher level of audience enthusiasm," added Samuels.

Tickets are R85. FNB customers can purchase tickets at 10% off this price if they book online or swipe their FNB Personal Cheque or Credit Cards at Computicket, Checkers and Shoprite outlets or at the Baxter Box Office. Terms and conditions apply.

Block bookings of 10 or more, students, senior citizens and UCT staff cost R65. For corporate and charity bookings call Sharon Ward on 021 680 3962 or Carmen Kearns on 680 3993. There is an Age Restriction - No under 16's.

Book at Computicket

STUART TAYLOR

Stuart Taylor is probably best known to South Africans as the presenter of SABC 3’s hit travel show, Going Nowhere Slowly. But when this Stellenbosch University science graduate is not in front of the camera with mud-powdered face and wind-styled hair, Taylor is enchanting local and international audiences with his headline, stand-up comedy shows.

Taylor’s delightful potion of enigmatic entertainment has mesmerised audiences from theatres to boardrooms across South Africa, performing for many of the country’s top companies.

Taylor’s uncanny ability to cast spells of unbridled laughter on virtually any audience, earned him the adoration of critics and fans for his performances at the Pleasace Dome at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Berlin International Comedy Festival and his sold-out 1-man comedy theatre productions throughout South Africa.

His most recent theatre production “Learner Husband” has played to critical acclaim across the country from the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town to the Market Theatre in Johannesburg as well as successful runs at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown and at Montecasino’s main theatre. His new show has built on the success of his previous 1-man show “Techni-Coloured” which had scooped some amazing reviews and awards, winning the prestigious Overall Best Comedy award at the National Arts Festival and the Show Time award for the best solo performance.

Critics describe his work as, “Classy style, laid back super professional presentation” - Cape Times

“…great observations from a new perspective” - Cape Argus,

“Skreeu Snaaks!” - Die Burger

“Entertainment with a capital E” - Cape Argus

“Taylor Made for Laughs” - The Star.

“Be warned, you will not leave the theatre the same way that you entered… you will be hurting of all the laughing” - Citizen Metro.

& “Un-missable” Sunday Times

HEINRICH REISENHOFER

After graduating from the UCT Drama School in 1993 he worked for two years as a freelance actor and singer before joining the Jazzart Dance Theatre (Cape Town’s foremost African contemporary dance company) where he worked for five years as a dancer and choreographer. His directorial career was launched in 1998 when he teamed up with Oscar Petersen, to co-write and direct the runaway success Suip! for the Baxter Theatre Centre. It earned him four prestigious theatre awards and ran for three years including a successful tour to Perth Festival in Australia and to the Tricycle Theatre in England.

In 1999, along with Oscar and David Isaacs, he formed Djamaqua Productions. Heinrich then produced, directed and co-wrote the popular award winning Cape-comedy Joe Barber, which was followed by 4 equally popular sequels. The series has now been running for over 12 years.

As well as managing the Joe Barber business, he directed Marc Lottering in Say Cheese, Stuart Taylor in Techni-Coloured, music productions Not the Midnight Mass, Three Tons of Fun at On Broadway and recently Hot Chocolate for the Barnyard Theatre. His more serious works include the first South African stage adaptation of Alan Paton’s book Cry the Beloved Country for which he received the coveted Fleur De Cap Award for Best Director for 2003 and the production Groundswell, which earned him a further Fleur Du Cap Award for Best Director 2006. Heinrich has also broken into the Afrikaans theatre scene with the acclaimed staging of Bartho’s Smits, Bacchus in die Boland as well as the hit of KKNK 2007 Festen, which has been nominated for 5 Kanna Awards including Best Production and Best Director.

Scheme jy ek's kommin at The Stage Theatre

Piet Potgieter is a new breed of Afrikaner comedian currently shaking up the local scene. This self confessed DUTCHMAN from Kraaifontein originally hails from the Klein Karoo. After a incident at the Miss LANG KLOOF pageant he went on to study to be a priest, became a barman and finally a comedian. This he sees as natural evolution. Skilled in the ancient art of BOERE MARTIAL arts he has never been afraid to speak his mind on a variety of topics ranging from the AWB's almost successfull plan to retake the country, to his deep appreciation of Julius Malema's carpentry skills. Recently banned by Radio Houtstok ,this comic is seriously going places. Usually straight home to his Zille-esque little wife who rules the household with an iron fist and corrugated toilet. If u scheme u is kommin this is the show for u. If not, send you in laws, coz u know you scheme they is kommin!!

Dates may seem wrong

We can mos for like to spraak die Afrikaans here by High On Comedy. Dis lekker om te sien dat daar ook so bietjie Afrikaanse komediante hierdie kant van die wereld is. Soos die blurp daar bo se, Piet is n geleerde priester wat n barman geword het en toe uiteindelik n komediaan. Dis n baie interesante loopbaan pad daai.
Piet can be seen at The Stage Theatre on Saturday, 27 August 2011 from 20pm. This is his second time at The Stage Theatre and he is back by popular demand for one night only. I will be there cause there is no way I am missing out on this one again. Phone 021-914 3151or sms 079 528 8424 to book your seat now.


Facebook event here for more info.

Rob Van Vuuren - LIVE at On Broadway

I am very excited about this show. I saw Rob van Vuuren do some of the jokes that make up this show, a few months back at the Kalk Bay Theatre and the man had me in stitches. I am very interested to see what he took from there to develop into this one man show.

3 NIGHTS ONLY - THURSDAY 25th to SATURDAY 27th AUGUST 2011 @ 20h30 Tickets R85 per person, Students R65, groups of 10 or more R75
ROB VAN VUUREN - LIVE is the latest award-winning stand-up comedy show written and performed by Rob van Vuuren who was, this year, once again identified by the Mail and Guardian as one of the 200 young South Africans you should take out to lunch. So yes he will accept free lunches.

2011 also saw Rob awarded the Breakthrough Act Award at the inaugural Comics Choice Award and following the runaway success of the premiere of ROB VAN VUUREN LIVE at the National Arts Festival the show walked away with the coveted Standard Bank Ovation Award for Comedy. Unfortunately there was no free lunch!

ROB VAN VUUREN - LIVE is an irreverent, honest and above all sidesplittingly funny perspective on many of Rob's favourite subjects which range from dogs, flies and Jehovah's Witnesses to becoming a dad, adoption and giant mutant toenails.

This is a rare opportunity for Cape Town audiences to watch the guy who shot to fame as the short half of the cult comedy duo Corne and Twakkie of the Most Amazing Show (the co-host of Crazy Games and SA's Got Talent and the ou who Shucksed Shuster) do what he does best ... make you laugh!

We regret there will be no free lunches!

Book now at Computicket.

Bafunny Bafunny 2: Bafunnier

Last year South Africa played host to the Fifa Soccer World Cup and Hunta Live put on a show for the world in the form of Bafunny Bafunny. This year, with the Rugby World Cup happening soon Bafunny Bafunny is going on a new rugby themed tour of South Africa and comedy fans everywhere are in for a treat.




The line up has changed a bit this year with two new players, Eugene Khoza and Stuart Taylor, replacing Mark Lottering and Kagiso Ladiga. With new acts, comes new material. But will the rest of the cast, Trevor Noah, Barry Hilton, John Vlismas, Loyiso Gola, Nik Rabinowitz, Mark Banks, come out and give us the same jokes as last year, or will we be treated to fresh material? I am assuming the latter since last year's show was mostly about people coming to South Africa and the state of SA soccer. So this one being rugby themed, means that the material should be rugby orientated. If this is true, this could be a great show to go watch.


However, if you missed out on the show last year, because you bought 13 soccer tickets, then it doesn't really matter. You have to go see this show!

Champions!

Press release below:



SA’S COMEDY TEAM IS BACK TO DEFEND THEIR TITLE!

“Bafunny Bafunny” – South Africa’s star-studded team of comedians was formed in 2010 as an answer during World Cup fever to the question: “What if Comedy was a sport? Who will represent South Africa at the World Cup of Funny?” The resulting team’s tour, both locally and internationally, made not only comedy history, but created comedy heroes with their sold-out performances in front of over 60,000 fans locally.

Now, after months of preparation, the 2010 World Cup of Funny Trophy holders are back and they are ready to do it all over again in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup, this time, with their aptly named tour “The Odd Shaped Ball” that will tour Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town this October.

Starring Trevor Noah, Barry Hilton, John Vlismas, Loyiso Gola, Nik Rabinowitz, Mark Banks and newcomers Eugene Khoza and Stuart Taylor – this is one game you have to be at!

For more information and general funny unsporting behaviour, visit http://www.bafunnybafunny.com/.

Bookings NOW OPEN at Computicket

Tickets are priced from R120 to R220.

Bafunny Bafunny “Tour Fixtures” for South Africa:

Cape Town: Grand Arena, GrandWest:
Thursday, 20 October 2011: 8pm
Friday, 21 October 2011: 8pm

Durban: DICC
Wednesday, 5 October 2011: 8pm
Thursday, 6 October 2011: 8pm

Johannesburg: Big Top Arena, Carnival City:
(Barry Hilton will be on the bench for these two matches – player to be confirmed in the media)
Friday, 14 October 2011: 8pm
Saturday, 15 October 2011: 8pm

And just like that...

...it's weekend.


What a great week I had. But very tiring as well. Enjoy your weekends people!


But... before you go, check this out:







Make sure you check the other stoopid monkey vids. Some weird funny stuff there.


I am out. Remember, it takes three tons of sugar to catch a unicorn.

Starving Comics Gigs

We have starving comics out there Cape Town. Lets go and support them.


Facebook event here


SUNDAY 21 Aug:


Comics@Work- Audience Welcome
ARMCHAIR- Lower Main Rd, OBZ
8pm


Resident MC, CHRISTOPHER STEEKAMP hosts an evening of all things new and different (it is OBZ by the way). New and old comics. New comics doing old stuff and old comics doing new stuff. Either way, it's always fun.




MONDAY 22 Aug:


C.O.M.E (Comedy On Monday Evening)
Zula Sound Bar (98 Long ST, C.T)
9pm. R40 cover
079 616 6333 Info




MC- BRENDAN MURRAY- Comedian/Actor/Loudmouth


SIFISO NENE (DBN) - Winner of 'So you think you funny' 2008
PETER SSERWANGA - The ladies love him, men wanna be him
Kurt Langeveld- Expect big things in the future
Nicolas Klein- A comedy newbie showing great promise




WEDNESDAY 24 Aug:


PAKALOLO Tableview
14 Beach Boulevard
021 557 8508
8.30pm. R30 cover


MC - TRACY KLASS
SUPPORT ACTS: CHRISTOPHER STEENKAMP, KG & KURT LANGEVELD




THURSDAY 25 Aug:


PAKALOLO Hout Bay
10 Main Rd (Next to Chapmans Peak)
021 7900700
8pm. R50 cover


MC - BRENAN MURRAY
SUPPORT: KURT LANGEVELD & DYLAN SKEWS
H/L - MARK SAMPSON




SATURDAY 27 Aug:


OLD BRIDGE TAVERN
Somerset West
R20 cover


MC: Gino Fernandez
H/L- Brendan Murray
Support Acts: Mum-Z, Lazola Gola


Bookings & Info: http://www.oldbridgetavern.co.za/comedy-the-bridge.h%E2%80%8Btml

Chris Forrest at On Broadway

The next comic is up at On Broadway's Intimate Sessions. Chris Forrest is coming all the way from Gauteng (probably not by train) to show us what he's got. The press release below says he is South Africa's very own Steven Wright. We are in for a real treat if he can live up to that. Steven Wright, for those of you who don't know, is the king of deadpan. Deadpan, when done right, can be brilliant and will have you in stitches throughout. This will be my first time seeing Chris Forrest, so let's see what he brings to show.


Press Release:



THREE SHOWS ONLY - THURSDAY 18th to SATURDAY 20th AUGUST 2011


He speaks slow, but he thinks quick! Some call him South Africa's answer to Steven Wright, others say who is Steven Wright, whilst others say we're out of milk can you please pick some up on your way home. Chris Forrest, the deadpan face of South African comedy brings you his inaugural solo show "Chris Forrest - he's a really nice guy", which with his dry sense of humour and completely odd take on life promises to be a side-splitting affair. After selling out in Johannesburg the show now comes to Cape Town for the first time.


Chris is best known for his TV appearances such as being one of the stars of the "Pure Monate Show" and numerous successful ad campaigns which include being Sasol's volunteer Olympic coach "Coach Joe", the "Yo" guy for the Vodacom Challenge, and the recent Toyota Campaign as the mouth and voice of "Buddy the Boxer".


Chris has also been a regular performer on South Africa's premier comedy show "The Heavyweight Comedy Jam" which tours the country on a regular basis, as well as being an honorary black man on the hugely successful "Blacks Only Show" which has revolutionised comedy in SA. Chris is also the regular host of the King Size Comedy Shows, attracting crowds of three thousand plus.


With topics varying from the difficulties of being single, to his experiences abroad, to the joys of life in South Africa, there's bound to be something for everyone. So make sure that you wear a belt (to stop your sides from splitting - duh!) and come and enjoy Chris Forrest.


For student and group discounts please call 021 424 1194.


Tickets are R85 each.


Book now at Computicket

Tuesday Fluff: Changes and Deals

In a bid to grow my readership, I have created a Facebook page and added a link to it on the left of this page. Have a look over there and click on Like. Then go and tell 50 people about it. And soon, I will take over the world. 


Sometime in the last year, coupons got cool again. Everyone knows about Groupon and the millions of other similiar sites that offer deals at up to 70% off the cover price. Usually these are for coffee enemas, spa treatments and Brazilian hair jobs (not what you think). But a friend pointed out a cool one that is currently running for Cape Town comedy lovers. 


Ubuntudeal and Purple Turtle are having a promotion. Pay R25 for entry into the Funny Bones Comedy event and get a free Castle Light. I am starting to see a trend - a lot of comedy is sponsored by alcohol. But a good deal is a good deal and I am buying one for each night in September which they are valid for. How about you? Check it out here: Ubuntudeal

Dan Cummins Interview

I arrived at the Cullinan Hotel in Cape Town and as I walked closer to the door I started getting flash backs to a night outside Tiger Tiger where I was shown away for not having a collar. I went in and was greeted by a big round table which I wondered if it would have been big enough for King Arthur. I waited around for a bit for the PR. When she arrived, she introduced me to Dan Cummins and we went to sit next to the pool. I was nervous as this was my first interview and I had fears of something going wrong. I pushed record on my voice recorder, opened my piece of paper with my lists of questions and fired away with my first one.

(RJ)What did you enjoy most about visiting South Africa and performing here?

(DC)I guess it’s exciting to come and just test the waters so to speak, you know, see if a English speaking country, but a country clear across the globe, north south and east west , like whether my humour will translate. You assume it will, but you don’t know for sure? So that was my favourite part, just, yeah trying something really new. I’ve been pretty much everywhere in the States, like North America, so it’s a good change.

"A panda killed my family"

(RJ)And did you find that your comedy did translate?

(DC)Yeah, especially like more and more each week you get more comfortable. But I noticed Cape Town, I don’t think it’s more of a… I don’t know, have you seen any of my standup before?

(RJ)I watched your DVD last night, I bought it at the show.

(DC)Oh so that’s right, you were at the show. So like, Cape Town seems to be like a college kinda town, liberal. That type of city just seems to serve me best. So, Cape Town is like the easiest to translate, but I mean Johannesburg and Durban were fine too, Just, I feel like I could get a little more experimental here. You know like, know before it was more just stick to punch lines and move on to the next thing. But yeah, I’ve had fun. I’ve noticed the big difference between South Africa and the States, I mean, in the States a lot of guys are, like you’re based in San Francisco, you’re based in Austin, you definitely develop your Austin material. But comics tend to focus more on universal themes. They could work anywhere in the world. You might have a couple of jokes about Austin, but then you quickly move into just stuff like random observations, family, opinions on larger social matters. Where here I’ve noticed the scene is very colloquial, you know like, um, like South Africa has really changed their set up quite a bit from Durban to Johannesburg. And the sets they do literally wouldn’t work anywhere else in the world. It just would appeal to South Africans because it’s all about Afrikaans and culture, apartheid and Mandela and various things unique just to the city. And that just reminds me that it’s a newer scene and just different. In the States if you want to make money and have a career as a touring comic you have to appeal to the whole country, really more in a way. It’s been interesting. I kinda indulged, I don’t usually talk so much about where I am. It’s been kind of fun though, change of base.

(RJ)So, would you come back and do your one man show here?

(DC)I’d love to. If they can promote it and get a venue, yeah. It’d be nice to. I feel in this 15 minute set I do five, ten minutes of local, do some universal and then time’s up. But I have loads of material. I have a couple of specials back home and then a new hour of unrecorded stuff, so it would be fun to come here and do a proper long show.

(RJ)It would be good to have you.

At this moment I thought what if the voice recorder was too far away and it didn’t record anything coherent. I moved it closer to Dan and asked my next question.

(RJ)So, how’s the response been from South African audiences?

Dan moved his head closer to recorder and answered…

(DC)I think uh * laughs *

He sat back and continued.

(DC)Good actually, really good! It’s been better than American audiences in some ways. I think a lot of the clubs in the States  - there’s a big culture of celebrity and it’s like audiences come out and if they haven’t already heard of you, it’s more just this kind of like “Mah, what’s this guy?”  It’s more of this attitude of, “Well he can’t be very good because he’s not famous.” And it’s funny, a lot of the clubs, they’ve started booking just comedic actors, like Pauly Shore, or Screech, the guy who played Screech on Saved by the Bell, Justin Diamond, Stiffler’s Mom on American Pie, I can’t remember what her name is. I haven’t even watched a lot of there acts and then there’s a bunch of others, but people come out because they’ve seen them in a movie, but they’re shit -  they’re not comics. They’re just people who were funny in a movie. It’s weird, people get more excited, they want to have their picture taken… I wish there was more people in the States that really appreciated the art of standup, and there are some, there definitely are some, but a lot of times as a comedy club you get a mix of a few of them and then a lot of people who just randomly decided to go out or happened to get free tickets or something and so you learn how to win ’em over but they’re not as.. * snaps finger *  Like the crowds here have been really hot. Like it’s a big theatre show, it’s an international festival. But even when I did Parkers club in Johannesburg, just a couple of warm-up sets, they were like really appreciative you know.

(RJ)So would you say, in America, when someone doesn’t recognize your name they wouldn’t give you the time of day?

(DC)Yeah they’re just a very like … it’s weird, they equate success with celebrity. Like if you’re famous you’re successful, if you’re not famous you’re unsuccessful. So you like, you’ll have a great show in front of somebody who has seen you on a comedy show but you’re not on a sitcom, you’re not in a movie, but they’ve seen you on Comedy Central or something, and then like, I can’t tell you how many times they’ll be like “Hey man, I hope you make it, good luck.” And it’s like what the fuck d’you want from me? You know, like how is that not enough? You know like I made you laugh for an hour. But still they’re like it’s a hobby. Like all comics are just practicing for a sitcom. No, it’s an art form in and of itself. It’s just the least respected entertainment art form I think

"Peanut butter is the answer"

(RJ)So what keeps you motivated, what drives you?

(DC)I like creative expression. I’m working on material but really lately it’s just... I always thought there’d be this great job where if you could get a little bit of a fan base whether it be through film, web-based programming, stand up, television show or whatever, you could get that solid base that’s gonna go see you wherever you go, they give you this great job where you could work like ten nights a month. Bryan Reagan has this perfect job in the States. He does like two weekends a month and that’s it, the rest of the time is his. And he can work on stuff at his leisure, writing projects and stuff, but he only HAS to be somewhere two weekends a month. That’s what keeps me ahead, is that carrot dangling there. I’m like, if I could make it to that… best job ever!

(RJ)What made you decide to become a comedian? I’ve read on Wikipedia some of your history – that you come from a very small town and you got your degree in psychology and then standup, it just seems a bit strange to me…

(DC)Yeah, it was pretty random, I mean I didn’t plan it out. Like I didn’t watch stand up much growing up, in college not at all, just wasn’t interested. Even when I started doing stand up the first couple of years I thought it was going to be very temporary and I only later got more into the art form, I’d say about three or four years in. But, it was just random. My ex wife, we were dating at the time, she heard about an amateur night open mic and thought I should try it, so I totally did it on a whim . I have a weird relationship with standup, different than most comics  - I really like it, but if a different creative opportunity that was fulfilling came along tomorrow I could walk away from it and not miss it. I love it but I don’t need it. So, I just like being creative, whether it be writing, and music is what I did before standup. And like, one of these days if I’ve got a big chunk of time to myself, I really wanna paint. I just like creating.

Dan has a scetch in his routine about how Pandas should really be left alone to die out already. He even goes so far as to say we should put them in cages with tigers and see who would come out on top.

(RJ)I just need to know, what is it with pandas? Why do you hate them so much?

(DC)*laughs* You know, it’s funny. I really don’t hate the creature itself, it’s a symbol to me of thoughtless liberalism. I hate extremes right or left. And what kills me about pandas is it really is, I mean, it’s a cool creature, but it’s outlived its welcome. Like its time has passed. Like it really is this artifact from a previous time where there just isn’t the eco system for it anymore. And yeah let’s try and keep it alive, but let’s not give hundreds of millions of dollars when there’s, well like in your country for example where there’s two and half million people living a shanty town , you know. I’m a humans first person, like let’s fix our own shit, lets try and get a harness on this and then do novelties, like pandas. They’re just a little lower on my priority list. I just love poking fun at that. They’re a symbol of that thought to me. … And a panda killed my family. So it’s a little personal.

(RJ)So what’s next for you? I know you’ve got another show in the works, what else are you working on?

(DC)A lot of writing projects. I do a radio show back home so we’re going to launch a pod cast off of the radio show, it’s called Naked and Fearless. Which I think is going to be a little different pod cast, it’s very .. it’s not just surface stuff, not just quick jokes it’s like real deep, we really explore issues a lot more personally. And them I‘m hoping one of these writing things take off. I’m constantly auditioning and hoping that one of these things takes. There’s a screenplay I’m working on and a couple of sitcom pilots that I’ve written. Hopefully I’ll get someone to sign me a cheque over for one of them,

(RJ)Lastly, if you could take one thing back to America from South Africa, like anything what would it be – only one thing.

(DC)Only one? What one thing would I take back from South Africa? A really poor, really attractive black woman… I just feel like she’d be appreciative.

We both start laughing and Dan continues…

"Imagine what I filter"

(DC)If I could take one thing… maybe a uh? This is a tough one for a serious answer… I don’t have to be serious? I feel like the last answer is probably going to get me in trouble.

It probably would, only…

(RJ)You’ll be in America…

(DC)Yeah that’s right, I’ll escape it. One thing… trying to think of some weird animal that I could take back… maybe a lion cub. Take a live lion cub back.

I ended the interview and Dan gave me his personal email address. We chatted a bit about his stand up show and my love for comedy. We are basically best friends now. But, don’t ask him that…

Thanks to Hunta Live for arranging the interview and a big thanks to Dan Cummins for giving me 15 minutes of his time. I suggest we all mail Hunta Live and tell them to bring him back for a solo show. 

And just like that…

…it’s weekend.

I had a great opportunity yesterday to interview American comedian Dan Cummins. Our conversation went from South African crowds and comics, being a comic in America and working together against the evil that is pandas. One of those might be embellished… I said might. I will have this on the internet on Monday.

Dan Cummins is in South Africa for the Nando’s Comedy Festival that I have mentioned a few times before. I went to see the show on Tuesday and he stood out for me. He was by far the best comic in the show. Not to say that the others weren’t good.

Mark Eddie made me want to take my lighter out and sway it around with his interesting take on famous music acts. Mark has left to get back home for a family emergency and Loyiso Gola is taking his place for the rest of the run.

Acts to look out for is Cape Town’s own Carl Weber. Winner of the Graca Comedy Showdown Cape Town leg. He won on Monday and Tuesday he was on the grand stage and he handles it like a pro. Amazing for a guy that has only being doing stand up for just over a year.

Ndumiso Lindi is one of the finest comedians South Africa has. He opened his set with a joke where the punchline was singing like the Ladysmith Black mambazo. I forgot if I should laugh or get up and hum with him. If the comedy thing doesn’t pan out for him he will still have a change giving the Mambazo strick competition. But don’t fret Ladysmith guys, The Rooster is one funny guy.

Pablo Francisco, what can I say? There are two sides to this fence. The one side loves him, the other side says he hasn’t had a new joke since 2006. You might have heard it a million times on tv and the internet, but you will still go crazy for Little Tortia Boy when he does it. The man is a entertainer and entertain he does.

My personal favorite however was Dan Cummins. He has a dark sense of humour that is so subtle you will find yourself laughing even if you don’t agree with his views on Pandas. He delivers lines of jokes without trying to hard. I can go on, but rather, see for yourself. Make sure you buy his dvd afterwards. You might not get this chance again.

You guys are in for a treat on Monday. Tell all your friends and their cousins. 


Enjoy your weekend, and remember, he who eats the last slice of pizza, gets the least cheese. 

PAUL SNODGRASS in I'M SO LONELY at On Broadway

Press release for Paul Snodgrass’s run at On Broadway. These intimate sessions by On Broadway are not easy on my wallet. But it is so worth it. Going to go see this one tomorrow myself. Will be the first time I see Mr Snodgrass so I am rather excited.

THURSDAY 11th to SATURDAY 13th AUGUST 2011 Tickets R85 per person, Students R65, groups of 10 or more R75

Paul Snodgrass is back with his hit one-man show I'M SO LONELY from the 11th to 13th August 2011 at On Broadway.  After a sold-out run at the Baxter Theatre, Snoddie will perform the show for the last time, before starting on his next one man show.

For 3 nights only come and see the man described as South Africa's funniest angry comic.  The Pocket Ginger, who received a 5-star review at the Edinburgh Festival, will walk the fine line in his observations on the differences between men and women, and why he thinks he's still single!

If you're not sure, check out some reviews from the first run of this show:
"Paul has a magnetic attraction.  He draws his audience in with a deadly combination of boyish charm, sharp anger and woeful loneliness."
"Paul has his finger firmly to the pulse of the audience, delivering lines and jokes that jab you straight in the funny bone, sending you into spasms of giggles.  And his ability to (emotionally) expose himself on stage is, at times, startling and almost unnerving, but utterly captivating."
"Seriously, this show is like 'Defending the Caveman' on cocaine after a bender.  There are no holds barred and that is exactly why I, and the rest of the audience, loved the 'angry leprechaun' so much.  And his bit on the Southern Suburb rugby boiis!  Come now, it was too much.  He nailed them so badly if I were one of them I'd be afraid to pop my collar or wear Ed Hardy ever again."

Show begins at 20h30.
For bookings please call 021 424 1194, or book online at Computicket

Review: F.B.P.K:

Directed by: Keri Miller

Performed by: Martin Evans

F.B.P.K. is the story about the best year of Martin Evan’s life. The story starts with Martin having a broken leg and no Medical Aid or Hospital plan. Best year of his life? Yeah, you read right.

The show starts off with a small movie where Martin gives a quick recap about his year. That he crashed in front of the house of the lady he would later ask to marry on a tropical island, and that they later bought a house from Desmond Tutu. It mixes these heartwarming scenes with shots of Martin’s external fixation which are stomach churning to say the least. The short movie sets the mood for the rest of the show. The movie says it best… “this is a story about guts, rather than six packs”, and by this time it is clear you are in for a treat.

Martin comes on stage and puts down his beer. He starts by explaining how he was in a horrific accident on his souped-up Zuma scooter which led to him being in a wheel chair for six months. While in hospital, he learned about different cultures South Africa has to offer. His fights with doctors over his morphine levels being too low, being released from hospital and sitting at home with a hard drive of porn. What is a man to do?

Behind Martin pictures are shown to accompany his story. This was a first for me in a stand up show and I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t used in a way to take attention away from Martin too much but rather it helped bring certain points home.  Martin goes on to talk about being able to walk again, touring the country, getting to know more interesting people and past experiences with AMA (Afrikaans Martial Arts). Martin delivers jokes about Afrikaners in a way that doesn’t so much offend, but entertains. He changes his voice slightly to put in that well known Afrikaner accent but in a tasteful way which is still hilarious.  This is great to see, cause I are be a Afrikaner myself and I for felt before that I can like to P.K. a guy for making the funny about us.

Martin’s show is not yet at a level that he himself would like it to be. I have had the pleasure of seeing the show twice in a row and although most of the show is the same, some bits are different and others seemed funnier the second night. The latter was mostly due to the crowd being a bit more diverse the second night than the first night. I did find it rather interesting to see how a crowd can make a difference to a show, but I digress.

F.B.P.K. is not a ‘laugh a minute’ stand up show where all the ‘easy’ jokes are made. There are some really sweet moments mixed in. I was hoping the show would tell more of how Martin met his Fiancée in the end? He does mention that it was after the crash but where, how and when? This might be kept for future shows though, time will tell.

In the end, F.B.P.K. is a sweet funny story of how a man takes every day as it comes. It is still a young show and I would love to see it grow into something big. Here is hoping that a longer run happens soon. This show is a must see.

Tuesday Fluff

Below is a pic of Roger(middle left), our competition winner, his friend Piet (left), Martin Evans himself (middle right) and Me (right) after the Friday night's FBPK. 

Martin: "Weirdos..."

That is all. As you were. 

The Final Graca Showdown and Women’s day Comedy

Graca Comedy Showdown:

Tonight is the final showdown of the Graca Comedy Showdown competition. This is it. The finalists will have to bring their a game to entertain the crowd at Zula bar tonight if they want to go on to do the Nando’s Comedy festival that starts tomorrow night.

Place to be: Zula Bar, Long street, Cape Town
Time: Show starts at 21:00. Get there early for the good seats.

The funny guys:
MC: Paul Snodgrass
HL: Kurt Schoonraad (TBC)
Competition finalists:
Rustum August
Oliver Booth
Carl Weber
Kagiso Mokgadi (KG)
Milo Hot Chocolate
Christopher Steenkamp

If I had to make a prediction I would have to say Oliver Booth will take this one. He just stands out for me the most with his crazy impressions that are a crowd favourite. . Hoping he does some new impressions tonight.

* * * * *

Martin Evans in F.B.P.K.

Friday night was a great success and the winner of my first Comp really enjoyed the show. A big thanks to Martin Evans for supplying tickets for the comp. I am hoping to get some more for future competitions from other sources. I have some spokes in the fire so time will tell. A review of F.B.P.K. is in the works so look out for that on Wednesday.

* * * * *

Funny Women:

Tomorrow is Women’s Day and for some reason that means everywhere Men will take off and women will do all the hard work. 5fm has announced that only women will be dj’ing for the entire day. Comedy is no different. You can go see Tracy Klass and Mel Jones at On Broadway tonight and tomorrow night at 20:30. Check out my review about Tracy Klass here. This is a nice way for you guys to treat your ladies and at the same time give her a break from all the sandwich making. 

Press Release:

On Broadway will be celebrating Women`s Day with two of South Africa`s funniest female comedians coming together for the first time on our stage! When trying to name the show the girls first thought of the name RELOADED, but arguments ensued as they couldn`t decide on the meaning of this - Mel immediately thought of her bank card and Tracy of her chemist prescription - so to avoid further fights they settled on FUNNY GIRLS - because that`s what they are!

Mel and Tracy visit the same subject matter but with completely different viewpoints - from age, to experience, to their backgrounds - from Sea Point to Mitchell`s Plain - however they have the same worries in common, money and they are both single mothers of teenage children! Both have Facebook pages and big Facebook followings, Mel knows how to work hers, Tracy has to call her kids!

Book tickets at Computicket now