And just like that...

The year is over. Well, for me at least. Going to be taking a break till the 17th of jan next year with some exciting changes. But I do leave you with this. 


My top 5 comedians for 2011.


Before I start this list I need to add a little disclaimer. These are just my personal choices. There was no voting or anything like that. Also, the list is in no particular order. So lets go! 


5. Werner Weber 

First time I saw Werner Weber was at the Graca Comedy festival earlier this year which is round about the same time I started this blog. He didn’t place in that competition but didn’t let that slow him down. He went to create his one man show Devolution which was not perfect but for a first try was damn well close to it. The main reason why I like Werner is his jokes. Sure he does the delivery and all that stand up stuff with great technique but as do everyone on this list. But his jokes are what set him apart. He is a shot left of wrong, especially if you read his tweets on twitter(forteeseven, two e’s not a y). He won’t be for everyone but he tickles my funny bone. 


4. Martin Evans 

Can you call Martin Evans a fringe comedian? I can. Martin’s one man show won a silver standard bank ovation award at this year’s Graham’s town festival. When he brought it to Cape Town I went to see it twice back to back and the show, FBPK, didn’t disappoint. Above that Martin is always a hit in the clubs. Especially when he MC’s an event and interacts with the crowd. He has a dangerous wit about him which always entertains, the ones that aren’t in his crosshairs. 


3. Ndumiso Lindi 

This is a special entry. I saw this man once this year. Since he is based in Joburg, us capies don’t get to see much of him. His twitter feed isn’t that funny either. But his show, Here I stand, was something really special. With a ending that made me leap to my feet and applaud. This is one talented comedian indeed and a must see. 


2. Rob van Vuuren 

What can I say about Rob van Vuuren that I haven’t said already? An actor who isn’t afraid to say he is also a comic. His 2011 show, Live, brought tears to my eyes, as did his dvd of his 2009 show Rob van Vuuren is Rob van Vuuren. One of the few comedians that will make you laughs by just standing there. It is all in the face you see. 


1. Piet Potgieter 

Piet Potgieter is one of the view comedians that can go on stage and turn a crowd around. I saw him play Pakalolo once where the crowd were a few guys in the crowd made it really difficult for the rest us to enjoy the show. Piet went on and got everyone laughing again, even the unruly ones. Great, hardworking comedian and funny as hell.

Gigs and roasts

Yes, yes, i know. But a busy work week and the lack of willpower has left the blog suffering a bit. Will be back on track next week.

Here is a quick gig guide for tonight Cape Town:

Zula Bar

Then, a happy birthday to local comic, Peter Sserwanga. You can check him out over at www.iamcomic.co.za. Tonight Pete will get Roasted by local comics at Ragazzi lounge. For those of you who don't know, roasts is when a person's peers come together and then ultimately make fun of them and the other guests. Usually anything goes and it is all in good fun.

One Brave man



Roast Master: Martin Evans
Roasters:
Rustum August
Brendan Murray
Gino Fernandez
Christopher Steenkamp
Werner Weber
Shaun Fickling
Dylan Skews

Show starts at 21:00. Cover Charge is R40

Been looking forward to this one for a while.

Fugard fest of comedy in review

Do you know who Athol Fugard is? Me neither. Do you know why? Because we are uncultured fools who only go to clubs and bars and drink beers that were made in 24 hours, out of the bottle. Alan Committie however, is anything but uncultured. The seasoned veteran of the stage has put his knowledge of comedy to work, rounded up some friends and put together a variety comedy show that is indeed something special.

The show follows, very loosely, the comedy club scene’s way of doing things. It has an opening act, support act and the headline act. In-between these however are moments of comedy genius in the form of contemporary dance, songs and satire movie trailers played on the cinema style screen at the top of the stage. On the night that I went, the line up was Calvin Benson, Rob van Vuuren and Mark Banks. Alan taking on duties as the host for the evening. 

Mark Banks, not pictured

 Alan brings a fresh energy every time he takes to the stage. He interacts with the audience with a sharp wit that comes with years of experience. The comedy shorts in-between acts, while not unique, are very well done and get the laughs. On the night that I went, it seemed like the comedians had a hard time connecting with the crowd however. I suspect this was largely due to the sound problems that were experienced. One of the singer’s mic didn’t work at all, making his solos a bit, uncomfortable. When Rob van Vuuren came on his mic gave issues as well, but Alan came to rescue with a replacement soon enough. I have since heard that this is a known issue at the Fugard, which really is a sad fact as it is an outstanding theatre otherwise (the seats are really comfy).

In the end, what Alan has created is a platform for his comedian friends. This is really admirable and should be well supported. Go out and give yourselves a treat this festive season. The Fugard fest of comedy is happening till the 17th of December. Riaad Moosa is currently headlining and Stuart Taylor follows.

Rabinowitz delivers while upright

Press release below of Nik Rabinowitz's new show, Stand and Deliver. Also, very keen to see music comedian from Jozi, Tats Nkonzo opening. I really dig my musical comedy.

STAND and  DELIVER
Starring Nik Rabinowitz
Special guest appearance by Tats Nkonzo
Directed by Brent Palmer

6th Dec 2011 – 7th Jan 2012 Baxter Concert Hall
Nik Rabinowitz emerges from politically infested waters to bring Cape Town’s Baxter theatre his brave new solo show, Stand and Deliver, directed by Brent Palmer.

One of only two Jewish boys to have been born in a stable, Nik Rabinowitz always wanted to be an accountant. It was a breakthrough performance reciting a speech at Shmuli Wiseglass’s barmitzvah that really cemented Nik’s future. This was enough to put his dreams of accountancy aside and pursue a life in stand up comedy. Luckily for us, he chose the road less travelled. Luckily for him, his wife is a doctor.

broom broom

In Stand and Deliver, Nik, a Xhosa speaking Jew, explores the reasons that have led coloured people to believe that he is Coloured, why Afrikaners have settled in Israel, and how a grown man can end up saying things like, ‘daddy make hot for sossy’.

While the poster might make it seem that the show is about Nik surfing in his underpants, we assure you it really isn’t. In fact, it has nothing to do with surfing and Nik almost never goes out in just his underpants.

Warming up for Nik is a hot new talent, Tats Nkonzo. Tats sings really funny songs, with his guitar, in a beautiful voice. This will confuse you. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll love every minute.

Stand and Deliver runs at the Baxter Concert Hall from 6 December until 7th January 2012. The previews from 6 to 9 and on 13 December start at 8:15pm and at 8:45pm on 10 December. Thereafter shows run Tuesdays to Fridays at 8:15pm and on Saturdays at 8:45pm (except 24 December) and there is a special New Year’s Eve performance at 10:00pm. Tickets cost from R100-R140 and R190 for New Year’s Eve with discounts available. Please note the age restriction is PG 14. Ends

Book at Computicket.

Cape Town Comedy gigs this week.

Monday:
Comedy on Long at Zula Bar
21h00
R50
Martin Davis (UK)
Small Paul
Blake Kent
Marcel Oudejans
Read More


C.O.M.E at Ragazzi
20h30
R40
MC: GINO FERNANDEZ
1st Half:
TRACY KLASS
DYLAN SKEWS
DEVON LANG
STACEY HOWELL
2nd Half:
 "MANY LAZY THINGS" - LIL PAUL'S (DURBAN) One Man Show
Read More


Comedy at Massimo’s
20h30
R80 incl. Bottomless pizza
Phila Mnyanda
Barry Varkel
Read More


TheatreSports at the Intimate Theatre.
20:30
SA’s longest running Improv company. 
Various players. 
Phone 0729393351 to book. 
Tickets are R50


Tuesday:


TheatreSports at the Kalk Bay Theatre.
20:30
SA’s longest running Improv company. 
Various players. 
Phone 0729393351 to book. 
Tickets are R52.50


Wednesday:


Jokers at Sabrina’s
20h30
R50
Sarah Hansmann
Barry Varkel 
Lil Paul
Read More






On Going:


Sensational Funny Man Alan Committie heads up and hosts a star-studded comedy line-up as the Fugard Theatre proudly presents its very first Fugard fest of Comedy, from 29 November to 17 December.
Read More

And just like that...

...the weekend is almost over...

NOOOOOO

Cape Town Comedy gigs this week

Here is your week in laughs

Monday:
Comedy on Long at Zula Bar
21h00
R50
Tracy Klass (Host),
Carl Webber (support),
Dylan Skews (Headliner) and open mics
Read More

C.O.M.E at Ragazzi
20h30
R40
MC: MARTIN DAVIS (UK)
ACTS:
MOJAK LEHOKO (JHB)
SIMMI AREFF (JHB)
LAZOLA GOLA (JHB)
MARCEL OUDEJANS
Read More

Martin Davis

Comedy at Massimo’s
20h30
R80 incl. Bottomless pizza
Kellyn Coetzee,
Angel Blythe Campey
Bianca Clarke
Read More

TheatreSports at the Intimate Theatre.
20:30
SA’s longest running Improv company.
Various players.
Phone 0729393351 to book.
Tickets are R50

Tuesday:

TheatreSports at the Kalk Bay Theatre.
20:30
SA’s longest running Improv company.
Various players.
Phone 0729393351 to book.
Tickets are R52.50

Wednesday:

Jokers at Sabrina’s
20h30
R50
Angely Blythe Campey
Kellyin Coetzee
Mojak Lehoka
Marcel Oudejans
Read More

Thursday:

Jou Ma se Comedy Club at the Players Cafe
20:30
R80
MEL JONES
LITTLE PAUL (DBN)
MOJAK LEHOKO (JHB)
ANGEL
MARTIN EVANS
Read More

On Going:

Sensational Funny Man Alan Committie heads up and hosts a star-studded comedy line-up as the Fugard Theatre proudly presents its very first Fugard fest of Comedy, from 29 November to 17 December.
Read More 

Alan Committie

Have a good one.