As the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival kicks off at The Baxter Theatre, we look back at the artists who graced the Funny Festival stage before going on to become superstars.
Few patrons remember that a young Jimmy Carr performed there.
“He asked me to write a letter to his employer requesting a few extra days' leave so he could do the entire funny festival,” remembers festival director Eddy Cassar.
BBC TV legend, Lee Mac, was on that same funny festival, as was great funnyman Daniel Kitson. Both have become household names in the UK. Mega local star Trevor Noah performed at numerous Funny Festivals and still follows its progress.
His success helped shine a spotlight on the local comedy industry and has had a significant impact on young comics entering the profession.
“Once I introduced specialty acts to the show, many of the artists selected shared a common pedigree,” said Cassar.
Many had performed or went on to perform for Cirque du Soleil or excelled on Britain's or America’s Got Talent shows.
Mooky, from Saskatchewan, Canada, had been the lead clown for three years at Cirque du Soleil. She was masterful in Cape Town. Masterpickpocket, Christian Linderman from Germany, also toured with Cirque du Soleil, as did magician and illusionist Paul William.
Captain Frodo, the famous contortionist from Norway who was on the funny festival in 2016, was on Cirque’s Mad Apple production. They all brought their skills and humour to the funny festival. Simon Cowell’s America's Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent competitions have been responsible for showcasing specialty acts.
Many funny festival performers have done well on the shows. Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin won America’s Got Talent in 2015, while Tape Face made it to the finals the following year.
Comedy pianist, Kev Orkian, also went to the top of the talent competition. The funny festival this year showcases Britain’s Got Talent finalist of 2025, Mike Woodhams. There are a few masters of ceremonies, like Alan Committie.
“All the top superstars share my view that had Alan plied his trade abroad, he would have been a superstar. He reads the room so well and knows exactly the correct moment to introduce the next act,” says Cassar.
The funny festival is held in high regard by locals, Marc Lottering, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Riaad Moosa, Sifiso Nene, Nik Rabinowitz, Tumi Morake, Ndumiso Lindi, and many others who have graced its stage.
The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival opened at The Baxter Theatre on Thursday, May 28, and runs until Sunday, June 21.
Book through Webtickets.