They are the titans of South African stand-up comedy and they will be raising the roof when The Big 5 Comedy Show supported by Comedy Central proudly returns to the Teatro at Montecasino in July.
It’s an opportunity to spot the likes of John Vlismas and Joey Rasdien; face off with Stuart Taylor or hear Tumi Morake andJason Goliath roar in two wild shows which take place at the Teatro in Montecasino on July 27 and 28.
The show also features the legendary DJ Ready D who creates an electric atmosphere with his scratching and mixing skills.
Collectively these comics have some of the most impressive résumésin South Africa. From hosting TV shows and starring in movies, to performing comedy shows that pack out festivals and theatres across the globe, this is an ensemble quite unlike any other.
The Big 5 Comedy Show supported by Comedy Central was a sold-out sensation last year in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Joburg and all indications are that it will be another not-to-be-missed comic affair.
Each comedian has achieved national and global notoriety with their unique styles and showmanship.
Says Elisca Taylor of Taylor Made, who has co-produced the show: “We are delighted to bring audiences the biggest and best acts who are rarely seen together on the same stage. The line-up is diverse and caters to all tastes but, the one thing they all have in common, is that they are all industry giants. The Big 5 is such an iconic and uniquely African and South African concept. It represents that which is most sought-after. And that is what we are creating with this show.”
For more than 20 years John Vlismas has deftly walked the line between underground, alternative and mainstream comedy. He is recognised as the founder of alternative comedy in this country and still pushes the boundaries in terms of edgy comedy. His particular brand of strange and hilarious has charmed local and international audiences alike. His absurd worldview has the rare ability to resonate across any audience. He has performed and acted in all kinds of venues from seedy bars to the Royal Albert Hall. He’s odd, he’s mad and he’s sharp!
Joey Rasdien is the face of a new generation of South African comedy. He is instantly recognisable thanks to his roles in movies such as Running Riot, Bunny Chow, Vaatjie Sien Sy Gat, Dollars and White Pipes, Outrageous and Blitz Patrollie. His stand-up comedy style is absurd yet thought-provoking.
Tumi Morake’s edgy and unpredictable brand of comedy has wowed audiences around the globe. She has earned her place as headliner in comedy and was the first woman to host Comedy Central Presents on African soil and took her one-woman show to the famed Edinburgh Festival in Scotland in 2013.
With a commanding stage presence, ridiculous amounts of energy and a character-based set focused on making audiences laugh at life’s uncomfortable truths, Jason Goliath has performed around the country and the globe. In 2015, he was recognised as one of Africa’s best comedians and invited to represent Africa in Montreal, Canada, at the Just For Laughs Festival. He is the proud co-owner of Africa’s first premium comedy club in Melrose Arch, The Goliath Comedy Club and epitomises the new, urban voice of South African comedy.
Stuart Taylor won the prestigious Ovation Award & Overall Best Comedy award at the National Arts Festival, and the Show Time Award for best solo performance. Internationally, he has performed to critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Berlin International Comedy Festival, New Zealand International Comedy Festival and the Montreaux Comedy festival in Switzerland.
The Big 5 Comedy Show supported by Comedy Central takes place at the Teatro at Montecasino on Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28 at 8pm. Tickets are available at Computicket and start from R150 to R300. The show is rated PG 16
