In just two weeks Johannesburg will become the THE CITY OF LAUGHS when the largest contingent of comedians ever assembled in the city gear up to take a stand at the upcoming Johannesburg International Comedy Festival. This exciting new concept will feature 12 International and 30 South African comedians who will transform the city into a comedy paradise. From 6-8 November the hilarious talent will entertain in 12 shows across 3 days, bringing the finest talent from across the globe to the city.
The festival is a multi venue, multi show comedy showcase with performances at the Alexander Theatre, Orbit Jazz Café, Thirteen the Bannister Hotel in Braamfontein as well as The Market Theatre and Bassline in the Newtown precinct.
Built around key concept shows, this colorful line-up guarantees sidesplitting comedy for everyone’s taste. This is no laughing matter!
• League of Nations (Alexander Theatre) – Comedy without borders, hosted by Loyiso Gola, featuring Orlando Baxter (USA), Francesco de Carlo (Italy), Yacine Belhousse (France) Nick Cody (Australia and Alex Smith (UK).
• Stand Up Africa (Alexander Theatre) – Comedy with Africa’s finest comedians. Hosted by Ndumiso Lindi (SA), featuring Salvado (Uganda), Carl Joshua Ncube (Zimbabwe), Daliso Chaponda (Malawi) and Eric Omondi (Kenya).
• Fire In The Hole (Bannister Hotel Basement) – Comedy with no limits or boundaries, hard-core comedy that is risky, edgy and politically incorrect. Hosted by John Vlismas (SA), featuring Trevor Gumbi (SA), Jason Goliath (SA), Dusty Rich (SA), Deep Fried Man (SA), Martin Mor (Ireland) and Ava Vidal (UK).
• The Late Nite Show (Orbit Jazz Café) – Comedy inspired by the late night talk show format of host, live band and interactive engagement. Hosted by Kagiso Lediga (SA), featuring Salvado (Uganda), Tats Nkonzo (SA), Orando Baxter (USA), Stuart Taylor (SA), Carvin Goldstone (SA), Maureen Langan (USA) and Martin Mor (Northern Ireland).
• Live From The 13th Floor (Thirteen) – Comedy that celebrates trailblazing female talent. Hosted by Maureen Langan (USA), featuring Nina Hastie (SA), Tracey-Lee Oliver (SA), Lihle Lindzy (SA) and Celeste Ntuli (SA).
• Vernac Attack (Bassline Theatre) – Comedy in any of South Africa’s indigenous languages, a previously underground category that is now taking the country by storm. Hosted by Mashabela and featuring Smowkey Nyembe, Isaac Gampu, Salesman, Siya B and Pule Skhotane
• Jokenation (Market Theatre) – Comedy with tomorrow’s stars. Hosted by Loyiso Madinga and supported by Donovan Goliath, featuring the 8 South African Jokenation finalists as chosen by the public and a panel of international judges. The winner on the night gets the opportunity to be flown to Switzerland to take part in the Jokenation International Gala at the Montreux Comedy Festival. This year’s finalists are; Robby Collins, Sifiso Nene, Prins, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Glen Biderman Pam, Deep Fried Man, Stig and Lazola Gola. Visit www. Jokenation.com for more info.
The Johannesburg International Comedy Festival will be a true representation of the globalization of the stand up comedy art form.
Tickets to the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival can be purchased on www.webtickets.co.za, www.jicf.co.za or the Festival Facebook page with prices ranging from R150 to R250.