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.

We are back!

After some begging and pleading with the insurance companies, High on Comedy is back and running on all cylinders. What is the best way to start off than to jump right into it with some upcoming gigs.

Firstly, tonight as always is the Comedy On Monday Evening gig at Zula Bar starting at 20:45. The line up is as follows.

Paul Snodgrass – MC

Tracy Class

Gareth Woods

Gino Fernandez

Schalk Bezuindenhout

R50 gets you in the door. Phone 021 424 2442 to book.

More info here...

On Tuesday night is Purple Turtle’s turn for the Funny Bones Comedy night. Show starts at 21:00. Look out for the drink specials. The line up is:

Dugald Pieterse

MumZ

Paul Snodgrass

Kellyn Coetzee

Allistair Duff

And more...

R40 gets you in. Read more about this event here...

That is more than enough for now. You can expect more as the week progresses and as I get back into the flow of things. Have a good Monday.

Werner Weber’s Devolution, The Theory of Stupid.

I have spoken about Werner before, I have mentioned his show, hell, I have even had an interview with him. What I have not done is talked properly about his show. Well that wasn’t really possible until last week Wednesday when I hopped (like a rabbit?) to On Broadway, took my seat in the second row (weirdly called A. This first row is AA and the third row is B. Theatre logic escapes me) and waited for the musician to end his opening gig.

 The show opened with a video clip starring Werner himself and Angel Blythe as the ‘Dumb Chick’. Werner plays the narrator of a documentary trying to do the intro but the dumb chick keeps interrupting rudely in her quest for the ladies (also the loo). Angel disappears off screen and then comes on stage and interacts with the Werner on the screen. This serves as an interesting way to introduce continuity to the show before Werner disappears off screen and is introduced and we are ready to go.

 

Werner starts by talking about his personal travels through life and his observations about the human race. How we treat activities like buying condoms when we are younger compared to how we handle it as we get older. As well as how our bodies change over time, as do our medical checkups. Werner has a “pull no punches” approach to comedy which I find very enjoyable. Although I’m sure not everyone wants to hear about proctology exams and lesbians who make their own tampons out of Rizla papers and string. Regardless, the first half of the show was met with laughter from everyone in the crowd. I was brought to tears a number of times. Werner was on fire. Then he decided to call for an interval, rather abruptly.

 When the second half began it felt like he had lost some of his fire and the crowd was a bit quieter. It seemed like he was struggling a bit to recover, but he did as soon as he started speaking about his three dogs with their distinct personalities. From there Werner had his fire back and the show was saved. Devolution is a new show and still needs some work. It felt like it could have been shorter and the way the interval was announced was a bit too hasty. The opening bit was brilliant though and very well timed. It will be interesting to see this show again after this initial run to see what Werner, a fairly new comic, has adjusted and improved. When Devolution has another run, I will be there to see it indeed to see the improvements.

Comedy at Beefcakes

Beefcakes, the beefiest burger bar in town. Burger Bar, never before have two words come together so beautifully, except maybe lotto and winner. I have never been, but I am aiming to change that. What better opportunity do I have than this coming Sunday.

On Sunday, 25 September 2011, Beefcakes is hosting a Comedy night with a very good dish. Starters are Kellyn Coetzee and KG. I have seen KG around and he is a fast up and comer. Will be my first time seeing Kellyn Coetzee on stage and I am always eager to check out new comics.

For the main is Nik Rabinowitz. The man needs no introduction. This all is complemented by crazy uk comic Martin Davis. All of this for a cover charge of R45 rand.

But most of all look at these burgers. I can’t wait to have that in my mouth. 

Om nom nom

Rustum August and the Starving Comics

I sometimes wonder if Capetonians know just how good they have it. Let me explain. I come from a small town called Kimberley. Around there all we have are diamond mines and pubs. When you go out for a night on the town, you go dancing since there isn’t much else to do. Either that or you stay at home and braai with your friends. The yearly ‘Gariep Fees’ was the closest we came to having a festival of any sorts in our mining town. I am not saying there is anything wrong with those two activities, but when that is all you have available to you, the boredom sets in rather easily.


Since I have moved to Cape Town though, I have been spoiled for choice. We have musicals, drama, ballet, opera and of course, my favourite, comedy shows. At any night of the week I can drive to a venue around Cape Town hosting a comedy night and see people who I have only ever seen on TV perform live on stage, mere meters away from me. Yip, Capetonians have it really good.


Not so long ago, I went to Ragazzis for an Open Mic night show. Ragazzi’s is a small bar where the stage is basically the stairs that lead out to the balcony that overlooks Long Street. The Open Mic event is held on the last Wednesday of every month for anyone interested in going. Any newbie comics can come and show their stuff to a crowd that will either love them, or hate them. The event is organised by local Cape Town Comic Rustum August. I was fortunate enough to have a sit down with Rustum to talk to him about the different shows he and the Starving Comics organise:


The point I was trying to make at the beginning of this article is that Capetonians have all these great shows and opportunities right at their finger tips. We do not have to wait for a big festival to come to town for us to be entertained. Let’s not forget this and let’s try and support the local acts as much as we can. If they are bad, it is our job to let them know so they can improve, and if they are good, let’s stand together and cheer for them.

RJ: Tell me more about the Starving Comics, who you guys are and what you guys do around Cape Town for comedy.


RA: Starving Comics is a comedy collective, essentially it started in 2008, there were four of us, and we started at Zula. Now there are just two of us that organise at Zula, and I organise my own shows. Starving comics is probably the unofficial collective of Cape Town comedy, there’s no real structure, and nobody is in charge. Okay, well, I book the gigs so I have to pretty much make sure everybody shows up. There’s no hierarchical order. It’s a collective for people who want to try and boost comedy as a career I guess.


RJ: What gigs do you do around Cape Town?


RA: We do Sundays, it’s called Comics at Work. It’s basically a pretty raw show, so there’s no microphone, no pressure; you take your notes on stage. That’s on Sunday at the Armchair. There’s Zula on Mondays. I run this open mic night once a month, on the last Wednesday of every month. Then the second last Wednesday there’s Pakalolo in Tableview and the last Thursday of every month there’s comedy at Pakalolo in Hout Bay. There’s also Somerset West on the first and last Saturday of every month, but that’s just me.


RJ: So how would you describe the comedy industry in Cape Town?


RA: It ebbs and flows, I think. Winter is obviously a bit of a struggle, but it’s been developing over the past four years. Some venues thrive, others don’t. The weekly ones don’t really gain as many audience members as we’d like but if we don’t do it every week we kind of lose momentum. That’s what happened when Zula moved from its old premises. I mean it had been going downhill for a while, but we didn’t do it for three weeks and then we had the Show Down which was pretty well attended but now it’s back to 16, 20 people which at the old Zula was never... I think the lowest attendance we ever had there was about 24? And that was bad attendance, considering. We’ve had nights at the old venue with 100 people, 120 up to 150. It’s not always conducive comedy, but it’s a gig.

 

Rustum August

RJ: How long have you been doing comedy personally?

RA: My first show was in 2007. I actually spoke to Martin Evans about this yesterday, he MC’d the event and I fuckin’ died on my ass, I didn’t know what I was doing. I can look back now and it’s painful but I’ve come a long way. The first one was in 2007, but essentially I really got into it in 2008. February 2008 is when we started Zula. So I’ve been gigging it since 2008.

RJ: You obviously see a lot of guys trying to get into comedy. What tips would you give to comedians who are just starting out?

RA: Comedy is a very personal thing and for me originality is something that your personality can only bring out. Comedy has a formula like anything else. If you learn the formula you’ve got to then try and imprint your own personality, observations and your own story telling to the formula. The essentiality of comedy is to set up a punch line. I do very short setups. I often have one-worded punch lines. People tell stories and set it up and they get laughs in-between and there’s a big pay off at the end – which doesn’t suit my somewhat schitzo personality. I mean I don’t know if you’ve ever seen me perform, there’s no order of like, now I’m talking about dogs, I talk about anything. A lot of people don’t find it funny – it probably isn’t funny most of time – but some people enjoy it, ja, some people really get into it. I can’t watch myself... I always say I’m getting better, but I don’t really know how good I am. I don’t even think I’m good, I think I’m bad approaching average.


RJ: What do you think comedy in Cape Town needs to give it that extra boost, to push it over the top?


RA: It needs publicity. Sponsorships are another thing, but it needs publicity. People need to be made aware that there’s not just Trevor Noah and Loyiso Gola doing comedy, there are other forms of it. Fair enough, if I walk into a night club and I see a band I don’t know will I give them a listen, I doubt it, but if I read about them I’m more likely to. A lot of us are stuck in our shells in Cape Town. We’re these odd click orientated, but it basically needs people to know that comedy is happening and there are people out there trying to make a career out of this. And it’s only dependant on people that come out and constantly support and spread the word. Other than that comedians need to start writing more, doing more and I think building on what they have at the moment. A lot of us are safe in what we do and once you have a reputation on the scene you don’t want to spoil it by, you know, trying new jokes and being shit. So it’s that fine line between constantly building on what you have as well as keeping the old stuff. Constantly evolving your style, your material, because when you start even you don’t know what you’re comfortable with.


RJ: I’ve only ever seen you doing your 15 minute set in a club, are you planning on doing a one-man show?


RA: It obviously will get to that point, but I’m not sure how much of an audience I have. There are a handful of people who would want to come see me for an hour. I don’t know how to deal with an hour really. But I will do it in the future no doubt, at the moment I don’t feel the rush. I see a lot of up-and-coming comics are doing one man shows and I’m all for it but it comes back to constantly creating. I think the more established guys could provide some knowledge like “where to from here”. I mean, we’re all doing it, there’s kind of a scene, but we don’t know where to from here. I see a lot of comedians in the day time unmotivated because, well, they smoke a lot of dope, but it’s also from not knowing where to from here. I mean, I’ve been doing it for four and a half years and I know a little bit, but only because I’ve exposed myself to it and I’ve gone to see people who have done one man shows and spoken to them. That’s obviously the next step but what’s in-between?


RJ: Do all the comics in South Africa basically know each other and are they all friendly towards each other or is it just Cape Town that’s close? I’ve noticed you guys seem to support each other where you can.


RA: I can’t speak for the rest of the country... People who’ve come down and played have been friendly, nobody’s been a ‘primadonna’. There is a camaraderie around Cape Town comics, we are all supportive of the direction we’re heading in, but there’s also a feeling amongst some of us that there’s a click, like Starving Comics is only So-and-so and So-and-so. But if you hang out with your mates who are comics then obviously it’s going to seem like it. Some personalities gel and others just don’t. It’s just the nature of any business or industry.

The shows that Rustum and the gang put together week in and week out are:

•  Comics @ Work every Sunday at the Armchair theatre
  
•  C.O.M.E. (Comedy on Monday Evenings) at Zula bar
  
•  Open Mic Comedy Night at Ragazzi’s on the last Wendesday
  
•  First and Last Saturday of every Month at Old Bridge Tavern.
  
•  Pakalolo TableView on the second last Wednesday of every month.
  
•  Pakalolo Houtbay on the second last Thursday of every month.

High On Comedy will post more info on these gigs as they are finalised and more info becomes available.

Mark Sampson at On Broadway

MARK SAMPSON in AFRICA CLOCKWISE

TWO SHOWS ONLY - SUNDAY 18th and MONDAY 19th SEPTEMBER 2011
Our ecological clock is ticking, but don't be alarmed!  This laughter-packed, renewable-powered off-the-grid ECOmedy will make you feel so much better about the end of the world as we know it ... 

Mark Sampson is a master of taking unwieldy subjects, and turning them into comedy gold.  His previous hit show Missing Links explored 6 million years of evolution, while Feels Funny tackled depression - both were sell-out successes..

In AFRICA CLOCKWISE, SA's most adventurous and thought-provoking comedian continues his revolutionary journey in his most demanding quest yet.  Come and discover how Sampson plans to challenge his children to cope with climate change around the coast of Africa as well as challenging his audience to 'BEAT THE HEAT' as the anti-consumer host of a crazy global warming gameshow.  And just because he's had a haircut don't mention Gordon Ramsay.
 
Tickets cost R85.00 each.

Book online here... 

Werner Weber at On Broadway

Werner Weber is fairly new to stand up. He has been doing it for 18 months only. In that 18 months he has established himself in the comedy circle around Cape Town as a contender, all while working a nine to five job. He is the mastermind behind the News Cafe Comedy Gigs once a month that I mentioned before.  So yes, Werner Weber is new, but he is no newbie. To prove this, he has put together his first one man show which will have a short run at On Broadway end of this month. Details below:

CAPE TOWN COMIC PRESENTS HIS OWN THEORY ON EVOLUTION

Werner Weber, widely considered one of Cape Town's best up and coming stand-up comedy acts, is proud to present his début one man show: 

 “Devolution - The Theory Of Stupid”

This straight talker takes on Darwin’s sacrosanct Theory Of Evolution, focussing on how it applies to Nature’s most magnificent ape, the Human Being. Human evolution or, as Werner sees it the lack thereof, is fertile ground for hilarity, thought-provocation and the odd jibe at his fellow Homo Sapien.  He tackles topics such as chivalry, romance, bipolar dogs, seagulls with an attitude and chickens grown in the lab.  

He speaks his mind, although not always in his own voice; fusing the voices of several prominent celebrities with his somewhat distorted view of the urban jungle.  

Werner will be onstage from the 26th till the 28th of September 2011 at the On Broadway Theatre in Cape Town. Tickets are on sale at Computicket at R70 per ticket. Book here...

Check out the trailer here:

 

Ballsy? I for one hope so...

Review: Piet Potgieter – Scheme Jy ek’s Kommin’

Afrikaans stand up comedy is a very small market at the moment. It is basically Casper de Vries and musicians who double as comedians like Robbie Wessels, Wikus van der Merwe and Kurt Darren. Okay... sorry, that last one was a cheap stab, you are right, I am better than that... Nicolus Louw.

Introduce Piet Potgieter, a self proclaimed Dutchman from the klein karoo who came to the cape to make us laugh, and laugh we did. Piet comes on stage with the only light coming from a table displaying any Dutchman’s bread and butter, brandy and coke. He pours himself a drink that will make any mom proud. The lights come on and he breaks the ice with his first joke. 

Piet makes no apologies for who or what he is. He is dressed in traditional Dutchman garb, an overall top with the sleeves cut off, shorts and vellies with rugby socks. This ‘costume’ works for him and helps to bring in some extra laughs from the crowd. Not that Piet needs them. He has an arsenal of jokes that come from animals running over the road dodging his Ford bakkie to wanting a nose hair transplanted to the tip of his penis to help stop that infernal last drop from making a stain on you khaki pants all the time. The man is a genius. Plastic surgeons take notes.

One can be forgiven to be a little weary of the show. A white Afrikaans guy who calls himself a Dutchman on stage with a mic? It could be done in a cringe worthy way. Luckily Piet does it with respect and style. He is the biggest punch line but not in a way that is offensive in anyway. He plays the character to perfection, sipping on his brandy and coke all the way through the show. Piet will throw some one-liners into the mix of storytelling so fast that you sometimes forget to laugh. There are a few Julius Malema jokes in there which I am not a fan off. But that is more because I think Julius jokes are over done by most comics today. It doesn’t make them any less funny though.

Like I previously mentioned, the whole show is in Afrikaans. But if Afrikaans is only your second language don’t be afraid. My fiancee, who speaks minimal Afrikaans, went with me and she was laughing louder than me at some points.  If, like me, you are Afrikaans with an English partner, Scheme jy Ek’s kommin is a great show to take them to. It will be an education. 

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.

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.

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.

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

Graca CapeTown Comedy Showdown 2011 Heat 3

It is time for the Graca Cape Town Comedy Showdown 2011's third heat. Heat 3, With a Vengeance. I really like Die Hard move names okay.

This time around we will have Tracy Klass MC the event with a surprise Headline act from the overseas. The contestants who will enter and brave the stage to see if they have what it takes to take the stage with our countries great comedians at the Nando's Comedy festival later this month will be:

Gino Fernandez
Lazola Gola
Milo Hot Chocolate
Christopher Steenkamp
Plus a fifth wild card entry.

This is the last step towards the finals that will be held next Monday. The place to go to is Zula bar in long street and as always the show will start at 21:00. Come get a bottle of wine and have a few laughs. Cover charge is R40. Hope to see you all there.

Hellpants and the FBPK at On Broadway – COMPETITION TIME

I have written about Martin Evans’s new stand up show called Hellpants and the FBPK before when he took it to the Grahams Town Arts Festival. If you ask Martin, he would probably tell you that he only sold three tickets and it was a major flop. If you ask Standard Bank though, they will tell you it was worthy of a Silver Ovation award. So either the show is good or Standard Bank confused three people standing up and walking out as an “ovation”.

From my experience with Martin however, this show is going to be good and Cape Town is finally getting a chance to experience what a FBPK is. A story about how a guy almost had to give a leg to meet his future wife. Martin Evans is coming to On Broadway on the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th of August 2011 so you don’t have much time to get your tickets, as they are sure to sell out quickly.

Tickets can be booked at Computicket

I have more good news though. Through hard work and countless emails (not really, took like one tweet) I acquired two tickets to Friday (5 August 2011) night’s show to give away to one lucky reader. To be that lucky reader all you need to do is comment below and a random winner will be selected in a draw. 

Remember to tell your friends and their cousins about this once in a lifetime opportunity.


Update: Competition closes on Tuesday night. The winner will be announced on Wednesday morning. 

Nik Rabinowitz at On Broadway

Nik Rabinowitz at On Broadway

August is going to be a great month for standup comedy and On Broadway will be where most of it will be happening.  They are continuing their intimate comedy sessions into August. So far we have been treated to Tracy Klass and John Vlismas. Next up is local talent Nik Rabinowitz.

a special kind of talent...

I have seen Nik a couple of times before in his one man shows and with Riaad Moosa and Mark Lottering in the Three Wise men show and he never disappoints. He also recently finished his new one man show so you can expect some new material from his trip to Australia and his new hobby, surfing but also some old favorites.

Nik will be performing at On Broadway for two shows only. Monday, 01 August 2011 and Tuesday, 02 August 2011. Tickets are R100 a pop with group booking specials available. Make sure you grab a ticket before they are all sold out.

Book online now through computicket.

John Vlismas on broadway

If I remember correctly, John Vlismas was probably my first exposure to south african comedy. Back when I was in Kimberley and bored out of my mind. I remember listening to John Vlismis and how he started to smoke just to piss of the health minister of that time. Seven (wow) years later and I finally get to see the man on stage doing his thing. I have seen John on stage a few times before. The first was when he hosted the bafunny bafunny tour. The second was when he MC'ed Ramfest 2011. Both times I felt that he wasn't given enough opportunity for that Vlismis humour to come through. So when I heard that he was going to do a one man show at On Broadway this coming weekend, I jumped at the chance to buy some tickets. I want to see if he still has that certain edge to himself.

Granted, John's humour isn't for everyone. So if you want to go hear about how cute puppies are and stories about babies falling over, you would probably want to give this one a miss. There might be jokes about puppies and babies falling over, but they won't be done in a 'cute' way.

Yeah... not in a cute way at all...

Official Press Release Below:


JOHN VLISMAS in .38

THURSDAY 14th to SATURDAYS 16th JULY 2011 - all shows start at 20h30 Tickets R85 per person, Students R65, groups of 10 or more R75

Finally, after years of being asked, John Vlismas returns to Cape Town for his first one-man show in ten years.  Ironically, Vlismas returns to his roots, and the company that mounted his first one-man show ever, On Broadway.
When asked what audiences can expect, Vlismas was characteristically blunt: "laughter, hard, outraged and startled laughter - and I hope they get some food for thought along the way.  I'm a reader, and I like to share my learning with an audience that is open-minded and mentally flexible."

John has been very busy in the last few years with large-scale projects, co-directing his first film project, "Outrageous", and co-founding the Comic's Choice Awards.  Now he wants to take some time to enjoy ninety-minute sets with small audiences, and see just how far they will allow him to take them.
"We have been asked often why John hasn't visited Cape Town with a one-man show in the recent past, and the answer is that he has been on so many large theatre and arena line-ups that he felt it would be overboard, but he has sneaked into a few clubs and done impromptu sets, and has had a great time.  He has always felt that massive venues are not great for really connecting with a crowd, and giving them a really good night, so when we heard about the Intimate Comedy idea, we knew it was the perfect opportunity," says Taffia Keight, Managing Partner at Whacked Management.
While the prolific comic promises to add new, topical material, he also says that he would like to revisit some of his classics from his first show at On Broadway, and see if he can rev it up with what he has learned over the last ten years.

For bookings please call 021 424 1194, visit our website www.onbroadway.co.za or book through any branch of Computicket.

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

Tracy and her Klass Struggle

Tracy Klass’s comedy comes from all aspects of her own life in a wild and proud manner. It can’t be easy being a single mom with teenagers and then at the same time resemble Hellen Zille. What it is though, is hilarious. I can honestly say that the only exposure I have had to the “Kugel from Sea point” comedy, was Nik Rabinowitz in drag. So it was refreshing to see that style of comedy coming from a woman.

From the moment Tracy Klass takes to the stage with her little dance, you know that you will be in for a good time.  She has an energy about her that will bring you back to life after a full day at the office, faster than any drug could. There is seldom a moment where she stands still and the only time she isn’t talking is when she is drinking some water to prepare her for the next joke. Her jokes jump from raising her children on her own, and dealing the struggles of school projects, to teaching Joburg dads that it is probably not a good idea to shout at the soccer referee from Kensington.  She is also not afraid to speak about women problems and luckily she does this in a way that doesn’t cause your average man to huddle in the fetal position and repeatedly ask “why”.  

Why not?

Tracy would at times fumble her jokes, but she recovers with such grace that you can forgive her for this easily. Being one of the few female stand up’s in this country means that her jokes are new and not done to death, which could be the case for most of her male counterparts. I did find it hard to understand her sometimes when she shouted, but when I told this to my one Jewish friend he just laughed and said I had a lot to learn about Jewish women shouting. I also found it hard sometimes to relate to the comedy but this was mostly because I am not a Jewish single mom. For the most part Tracy takes the time to explain to the younger crowd with no children exactly what she means in a way that will have you in stitches quickly.

In the end, Klass Struggle is well worth the bucks and On Broadway makes it easy for the comedian to interact with the crowd and make them feel part of the show. Whether that is a good thing is completely up to the individual however. I personally enjoy being right in the front and Tracy Klass’s nails don’t scratch too deep.

Oh, by the way, Tracy, if you are reading this, just remember, I voted for you!

Klass Struggle runs at On Broadway until the 2nd of June. Tickets are R85 and can be booked through Computicket.

Computicket - Klass Struggle