Annual comedy festival launches
The Comedy Central International Comedy Festival is an annual, super-sized comedy extravaganza that will bring African and international comedy stars together under one roof for a hilarious, world-class celebration of comedy genius. It will play at the Silverstar Casino, Joburg from 26 November to 5 December, 2015.
The festival will combine spectacular gala concerts at The Globe with more intimate Late Night Comedy shows and open mike sessions at Parker's Comedy Club, themed specials, late-night sketch shows, spontaneous street theatre and Improv comedy 'happenings' at other venues around Silverstar.
Trevor Noah, fresh from his hosting duties at The Daily Show, will kick off the festival with gala performances of his forthcoming SA tour, NationWild, at The Globe (26 to 28 November), while US stand-up legend and Comedy Central 'Roastmaster General' Jeff Ross will make his first trip to South Africa to head The Roast Gala (Friday, 4 December). Batting for the home team, SA comedy favourite Schalk Bezuidenhout will feature in The Afrikaans Comedy Show (Saturday, 5 December).
In honour of the thriving SA comedy scene, The Comedy Central International Comedy Festival puts SA comedians front and centre stage, appearing alongside international comedians at the gala performances, and featuring in multiple themed events including an Afrikaans comedy special, and a dedicated 'Vernac' show. Goliath & Goliath will stage The Goliath Comedy Experience as part of the festival.
Nigerian superstar Basketmouth
Representing the continent's comedy talent, Nigerian superstar Basketmouth will also bring his own distinctive brand of funny in the form of a star-packed Best of Africa comedy showcase that promises to emulate the success of his latest comedy spectacular: Comedy Central Presents Lord of the Ribs. Ugandan comedian Salvador will join the line-up. More comedians will be announced at a later date.
Designed to empower and uplift South African comedy and comedians, the Comedy Central International Comedy Festival will also include a series of workshops and master-classes by comedians, promoters and specialists, helping comedians to hone and develop their craft.
Tickets from Computicket, priced from R120 to R650.
