Comedy Gold
There are not many of us who don’t enjoy having our funny bones tickled from time to time, and the laughs are always freshest live. Here are our pick for South Africa’s best comedy clubs and venues.
Parker’s Comedy & Jive, Montecasino, Johannesburg
The brainchild of South African comedian Joe Parker, Parker’s Comedy & Jive was established to serve as a regular home for the country’s stand-up comedy talent. The venue can seat an impressive 280 people, although the audience generally spends more time rolling in the aisles than in their seats! The club is open from Tuesday to Saturday every week and hosts a hilarious line-up of both local and international comedians. Tuesdays are dedicated to “Parker’s Urban Comedy Night”, while fans of Whose Line is it Anyway? will enjoy the home grown version during Wednesday nights’ “Improv Express”. Carnival City and Emperor’s Palace also host Parker’s Urban Comedy Nights and a host of other comedians on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (Carnival City), and on Thursdays and Fridays (Emperor’s Palace). For more information, visit http://www.parkerscomedy.com/.
Jou Ma se Comedy Club, Observatory, Cape Town
The Mother City’s answer to Parker’s Comedy & Jive, Jou Ma se Comedy Club is also run by a well know local comedian, self-proclaimed Mitchell’s Plain “boykie” Kurt Schoonraad. The club hosts a wide array of local comedy talent, including the hilarious stylings of the likes of Nik Rabinowitz, Loyiso Gola, Riaad Moosa and Marc Lottering. It also gives up-and-coming comedians a chance with open mic slots. Jou Ma se Comedy Club is open every Thursday at Players Café at the River Club in Observatory from 19h00, and fans of funny can look forward to a headline and supporting act as well as a special guest host or MC each week. For more information and the latest line up, visit http://www.kurt.co.za/.
The Comedy Underground, Cool Runnings, Melville, Johannesburg
Claiming to be the longest running regular stand-up comedy gig in the country, the Cool Runnings basement has seen many an up-and-coming comedian hone his skills and test his material in front of this enthusiastic and bohemian crowd. Comedy legend John Vlismas is a regular MC here, and the club also attracts top talent from overseas, including the likes of Chris Rock. The Comedy Underground runs every Sunday night. Doors open at 19h30, but it is advisable to get there earlier as there is often a queue to get in. This is little wonder, as many in the know refer to this comedy club as the best in the country. Visit http://www.whacked.co.za/ for more information.
More Laughs in the Mother City
Clearly Capetonians love to laugh, because there is some form of comedy club on offer almost every night of the week. Start the week off with a giggle at Zula Bar in Long Street (http://www.zulabar.co.za/), followed by a chuckle or two at the Purple Turtle (also in Long Street) on Tuesdays. Ragazzi’s (33 Long Street) is the place to be on Wednesday nights, and they even have a monthly open mic night for aspiring funny men and women (contact +27 79 616 6333). Finally, you can round off a week of laughs at the Armchair Theatre on Observatory on Sunday nights (contact +27 79 616 6333 for more information).
Story by Rebecca Johnson
