The Vodacom Funny Festival, at the Baxter Theatre from 11 June to 8 July, presents a selection of award-winning acts from the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, together with some of the best local comics and a number of newcomers.

The bill includes a host of international comedians, some new names and numerous local stalwarts of the industry. The Festival, now in its eighth year, has run at capacity since inception. Some 20 000 comedy lovers are expected to fill the 30 performances. The Funny Festival has developed its own brand of comedy which is strong in unique specialty acts.The foreign contingent is headed by Londoner, Kev Orkian, whose memorable performances at last year’s Funny Festival have resulted in a recall. Kev was voted “Best Musical Comedian” at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has since been in huge demand all over the world. He returns to Cape Town with a new show.

Mombasa born and UK raised comic Imran Yusuf, was nominated for “Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival” joins the cast in Cape Town. Imran’s multi-cultural background makes him an interesting comedian with a large fan base. His appearances on the Michael McIntyre Show and hard work ethic have landed him his own BBC TV show. Imran is destined to be a hit at the Festival.

The Boy with Tape on his Face hails from Christchurch, New Zealand, but his international acclaim and performance on the Royal Variety Show 2011 has made him an international celebrity performer. He is the popular face of the Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney Comedy Festivals and the recipient of numerous international awards.
Japanese comedians, Gamarjobat join the cast. The duo often referred to as the “Kings of Silent Comedy” are so unique they are difficult to describe. They are winners of many awards at Festivals in Asia and Europe. They present a physical comedy master-class which develops into a perfectly choreographed visual feast of physical comedy and are a hit wherever they go.

UK speed painter Jon Hicks, has a unique act, which thrills variety show-goers the world over. To say more will spoil the surprize.

Local comics include the country’s most talented comedy host, Alan Committie, local super comic and icon of the Cape Town industry, Kurt Schoonraad, new Afrikaans comic Piet Potgieter, Good Hope FM breakfast team DJ, Carl Wastie, local comidienne Angel Blythe Campey and new boy on the block, Kagiso Mokgadi, or KG, as he prefers to be known. Cape Town’s favourite funny man, Marc Lottering appears on selected performances during the last week of the Festival.

The Vodacom Funny Festival runs at the Baxter Theatre from 11 June to 8 July. Tickets cost R140 each and are available through Computicket.