Get ready to laugh with Alan Committie

Get ready to laugh at everything from global chaos and avocado prices to Pilates and call centres.

Comedian Alan Committie returns as master of ceremonies for the 26th Jive Cape Town Funny Festival, which opened at the Baxter Theatre last week and will run through to Sunday, June 29.

“From the Trump show, Farmers Weekly and weakly, living in a world run by AI and questions on why avos at Woolies are so expensive, everything is on the table,” says Mr Committie.

“There isn’t a moment, an hour of any day in South Africa, when something doesn’t happen that feels like it could be comedy fodder. The truth is my comedy often comes from the juxtaposition of these macro world crises with smaller domestic, everyday stresses like dealing with call centres or working out what Pilates is really doing to your spirit.”

“I am there to make you laugh. Hard. At small, inconsequential things. Or by offering an unusual or unexpected perspective on an issue or idea. I believe those that have taken the time and effort to buy a ticket and come and support live comedy are there to first and foremost be entertained. That said, the power of the stand-up comic is to constantly and often subtly subvert, challenge and reframe – but always through the lens of communal laughter and perspective,” Mr Committie said.

Raring for a night of unpredictable comedy, Mr Committie writes a new joke or quip every night so that it feels fresh and keeps him zoned in to deliver it perfectly.

“You never stop learning or growing as a performer. And, in live performance, every night is a new puzzle to work out, a new level to set and new laughs to achieve. That is what makes this art form so exciting. And dangerous. And heartbreaking. And soul-sating. And brilliant. I will be wearing a tracksuit on stage this year. As opposed to a suit. Who said I don't push boundaries? Cutting-edge comedy fashion.”

The Funny Festival showcases top local talent alongside some of the world’s foremost variety acts. Two such acts on this year’s bill are Sweden’s Got Talent winner, magician Charlie Caper, and multi-award winning, Cirque du Soleil clown sensation, Campagnia Baccala from Italy.

The international performers are joined by South African comics Robby Collins, Kagiso Mokgadi, Tumi Morake, Dalin Oliver, Emo and Loukmaan Adams, The Big Boys, and the winner of the Funny Festival’s talent search, the Jive Funny Championship.

MC duties are shared by Dalin Oliver for the first two weeks, until Sunday, June 15, and Alan Committie for the remainder, until Sunday, June 29.

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, urged all Capetonians who love comedy and the lighter side of life to book their tickets early, to enjoy a wonderful night out in the company of our country’s funniest performers, along with some truly special international acts.

“Cape Town’s biggest and best comedy event, the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival, never fails to bring laughter and smiles to many Capetonians. And this year’s programme looks to be one of the best yet. I am grateful for the festival organisers – and to Mr Eddy Cassar in particular – for putting on such a wonderful, uplifting event, and for having done so for over a quarter of a century.”

Tickets are available through webtickets.