A Grand Revival: South Africa’s Most Beloved Comedy Show Returns

3 mins read
comedy festival community-focused initiatives

South Africa’s beloved comedy show, the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival, is making a grand revival for its 25th anniversary. Curated by Eddy Cassar, the festival promises an unforgettable experience with an impressive lineup of local and international comedians, while also supporting local charities and businesses. The festival’s dedication to promoting emerging comedy stars and community-focused initiatives is admirable, making it a significant cultural platform. Join the celebration from June 11 to July 7 at The Baxter Theatre and experience the power of laughter.

A Grand Revival: South Africa’s Most Beloved Comedy Show Returns

The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival is back with its silver jubilee edition, celebrating 25 years of laughter and entertainment. Curated by Eddy Cassar, the festival promises to be an unforgettable experience with an impressive lineup of local and international comedians. The festival also provides a platform for emerging comedians and supports local charities and businesses. Join the celebration from June 11 to July 7 at The Baxter Theatre.

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In the vibrant atmosphere of festivity, South Africa’s most adored comedy variety show is preparing for an exciting revival at the Baxter Theatre. Celebrating twenty-five years of unrivaled amusement, the silver jubilee edition brings forth an array of gifted performers, both local and international, poised to spread joy across the city of Cape Town.

A Masterful Production

At the helm of the show’s production is the distinguished Eddy Cassar, who expertly infuses a delightful mix of both the fresh and familiar in this year’s Jive Cape Town Funny Festival. Famed for directing several landmark events in the Mother City, the satisfaction Cassar feels in achieving this milestone is evident. Armed with a history of superior performance, he assures an evening one will not forget, filled with premium entertainment.

The festival’s line-up curated by Cassar is undeniably formidable. America’s own circus artist-cum-comedian, Mario Queen of the Circus, is expected to enchant with his unconventional performances. Simultaneously, British-Armenian comedic pianist Kev Orkian is set to orchestrate a symphony of humor. Adding a distinctive South African essence to the comedic feast are comedians Dalin Oliver, Khanyisa Bunu, Dillan Oliphant, Sifiso Nene, Kagiso KG Mokgadi, and Yaseen Barnes.

Encouraging Emerging Comedy Stars

The festival is not only a stage for reputable performers. It also enables up-and-coming humorists to bask in the spotlight. Its open-mic competition offers an opportunity for budding comedians to command their moment of glory. In the past, the festival has served as a launchpad for talents such as Reagen Allen, now the provincial minister of community safety and police oversight in the Western Cape. Allen’s time at the festival served as a pivotal point in his comic career, earning him a nomination for the SA Comics Choice Newcomer Award.

The festival’s dedication to the community doesn’t end with providing a stage. A key aspect of its business strategy is to aid local schools and businesses. Through the provision of discounted group sales tickets, the festival functions as a fundraising mechanism for charities and enterprises. Whether it’s a group of ten or an audience of 650, each ticket bought can help a deserving cause.

A Brand Committed to the Community

The festival’s principal sponsor, Jive Cooldrinks, shares an equal passion for community-focused initiatives. Sharief Parker, the company’s CEO and founder, believes the festival serves as a significant platform that deeply connects with the community. The bond between the festival and Jive Cooldrinks is strong and long-lasting, having endured 13 years and expected to continue for at least another four.

Famed singer, songwriter, and producer David Kramer lauds the festival’s sustained success. He compliments Cassar for maintaining high standards and consistently amalgamating diverse local and international talents. Kramer insists that the reliance on excellence is Cassar’s key to achieving success.

Join the Celebration

The stage is ready for an extraordinary performance from the 11th of June to the 7th of July, at The Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter. Remember, the excitement lies in the anticipation, so don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a renowned event. Tickets are obtainable from Webtickets and the Baxter Theatre Centre. So, let’s embody the spirit of merriment, camaraderie, and solidarity as we commemorate 25 years of the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival. In these challenging times, the cathartic power of comedy is more vital than ever, as it has the potential to unite people through laughter.

1. What is the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival?

The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival is a comedy variety show that celebrates its silver jubilee edition, featuring local and international comedians. It provides a platform for emerging comedians and supports local charities and businesses.

2. Who is the curator of the festival?

The festival is curated by Eddy Cassar, a distinguished producer in the Mother City who expertly infuses a mix of both fresh and familiar in the festival’s production.

3. Who are some of the performers in the festival’s lineup?

The festival’s lineup includes American circus artist-cum-comedian Mario Queen of the Circus, British-Armenian comedic pianist Kev Orkian, and South African comedians Dalin Oliver, Khanyisa Bunu, Dillan Oliphant, Sifiso Nene, Kagiso KG Mokgadi, and Yaseen Barnes.

4. How does the festival support emerging comedy stars?

The festival offers an open-mic competition for up-and-coming humorists to perform on stage and gain exposure. In the past, the festival has served as a launchpad for talents such as Reagen Allen.

5. How does the festival support local charities and businesses?

The festival provides discounted group sales tickets to local schools and businesses, functioning as a fundraising mechanism for charities and enterprises.

6. How can I attend the festival?

The festival runs from June 11 to July 7 at The Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter in Cape Town. Tickets are available through Webtickets and the Baxter Theatre Centre. Join the celebration and experience the power of laughter!

Sizwe Dlamini is a Cape Town-based journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food scene, from boeka picnics in the Bo-Kaap to seafood braais in Khayelitsha. Raised on the slopes of Table Mountain, he still starts every morning with a walk to the kramat in Constantia before heading out to discover whose grandmother is dishing up the best smoorsnoek that day.

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