F.R.I.E.N.D.S - The one in Durban

Everyone's favourite comedic sitcom might not be making a come back but with our local comedians around, at least we'll still have something to laugh about. F.R.I.E.N.D.S is the all new live stand up comedy show that's hitting Durban is next. 'The One in Durban' features Darren Maule as your host and joining him on stage is his fellow comedian friends, Celeste Ntuli, Schalk Benzuidenhout, Ndumiso Lindi, Mark Banks, Marc Lottering, Lindy Johnson, Neil Green and Robby Collins. 

Taking places on the 11th of October at the Durban ICC, you can enjoy an evening of hysterics with this bunch. Darren, had this to say about the show "Sometimes people forget that I began my career in stand-up comedy. I worked my way up through the comedy ranks, eventually moved onto TV and have spent the better part of the last 8 years on radio. I've been busy, it's no wonder I miss my comedy friends! This show is a win-win for everyone!"

Time and time again, research has proven that not only is laughter the best medicine but that having friends helps us live longer and healthier lives and improves our general happiness and mood. Which is why Darren's picked his personal favourites - some of the best in the business - for this top notch night of entertainment. "One thing I that I love the most about stnad-up comedy is the camaraderie that I haven't experienced elsewhere before. It doesn't matter who you are, when you are backstage about to do a gig, whether you've done as many shows as you can count on one hand or 5000 shows like the greats, it doesn't matter. Everyone has a connection, a real sense of 'we are a unique bunch of people with a very particular skill set; we will find you and when we do, we will make you laugh!'"  -added Darren

Tickets for Darren Maule and Friends start fro R200 and are available from Computicket, the show starts are 8pm and is rated PG-16. 

Another hilarious production brought to you by East Coast Radio and Blu Blood. 

Riaad Moosa, Life Begins Tour

If you missed it the first time round, don't stress because the funny Doctor Riaad Moosa is back by popular demand with his hit show "Life Begins"! Performing to sellout shows around the country, some might not have gotten the opportunity to witness this sidesplitting take on Riaad's journey into the 40's, as such there as been an uproar from many who called for bring the show back to Durban. Riaad and the organisers have heeded your call and have scheduled dates for the 12th and 13th of October at the Sibaya Casnio. .

The show is a snapshot into his life after turning 50 and how he has to juggle being a father of four children, a husband, a comedian and an actor, all while taking in the current cultural and political climates around us.

"Even though I am now 40, in many ways, I feel like I'm still crawling and I'm looking back at my journey from being an aspirational doctor, coming from a relatively conservative Muslim background, where both my parents were doctors, and how I actually journeyed to becoming a stand-up comedian" says Riaad.

As an award-winning comedian, actor, write and presenter, Riaad Moosa is one of South Africa's most popular and acclaimed funny men and he happens to be a qualified medical doctor too! Although he never ended up practicing medicine, Riaad is still fondly known as the "Comedy Doctor" and he certainly seems to have the remedy for the nation's ills - a healthy dose of laughter, straight up - and hold the asprin!

"The show is very philosophical and existential. It involves the normal issues of getting older while at the same time experiencing, at a maturity where I'm supposed to be wise, a world that is completely turned on its head. And it's about how I negotiate all these things happening around me while trying to maintain a positive attitude. Through my comedic lens, I hope to put a different spin on that and hopefully my next 40 years will be lived with renewed vigour and excitement",  Moosa adds.

The show is rated PG for language and starts at 20h00. Tickets from R160 and are available through Computicket. 

Comedy for a Cause

The Edith Benson Children's Home in Sherwood, home to at least 60 children of various ages was recently gutted in a fire. Since then, the community at large have shown grate generosity in donating clothes, food and other necessities that were required for the care of the kids. Although there were many donations, it still isn't enough and more funds are needed to repair the home. With this in mind, Comedy for a Cause came about, Jo Holroyd went about and appealed to almost every single comedian in Durban to come together and assist with the relief of the Edith Benson Children's Home by partaking in this one night only comedy showcase.

The lineup is like a box of chocolates as Durban's biggest, smallest, and brand new comedians share the stage for a hysterical night of comedy in order to raise funds for a cause that is no laughing matter. The show which will take place next Tuesday at the Sky Venue which is based on the top floor of the Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani will include likes of East Coast Radio producer Rory Petzer, award winning Zulu comedienne Nono R, East Coast Radio's Neil Green, Leah Jasmine who self professed herself as Durban's "Queen of Woke Comedy", dark comic and culture expert Bob Perfect as well as newcomers like Akheel Maharaj, Troy Tesla, Sbu Myanda, Musa Zondi and Venessa Morton as well as a host of up and coming established comics. The lineup is colourful, and their topics will be too, so it's best to leave kids at home for this one as a no under 18s are allowed.

Kings & Queens of Comedy - Durban 2018

It's no secret that Durban loves its comedy, with most stand-up comedy shows being sellouts, the people just crave more. With this in mind, organizers of the popular Kings and Queens of Comedy show have got big news for Durban comedy lovers in 2018. With Durban being one the biggest audiences for the comedy brand, they have now extended the line up, with next years being the biggest in six years to ever grace the show! Audiences will be glad to know that most of their favourites will be returning to the stage for this one night only comedy festival along with some popular new ones as well. The show takes place on the 9th of February 2018 and tickets are on sale via Computicket. 

Shining their comical armour and sharpening their witty swords, the stellar line-up includes Darren Maule (MC), Annalakshmi, Arnotte Payne, Celeste Ntuli, Donvan Goliath, Glen Biederman-Pam, Jason Goliath, Joey Rasdien, Khanyisa Banu, Leeandra Reddy, Logie Naidoo, Marc Lottering, Riaad Moosa, Rory Petzer, Sagie Murugan and Safiso Nene, with a guest appreance by Morgan Beatbox. 

"We pride ourselves on bringing world-class South African comedians to stages around the country. You are getting a massive line-up of headliner comedians from start to finsh. We've picked the cream of the crop and we're excited to bring an even bigger and better Kings and Queens of Comedy to Durban in 2018" - comments Osman Osman, MD of Blu Blood.

A name that locals might be excited to see there is former deputy mayor Logie Naidoo, now retired from the world of politics, Naidoo has chosen comedy as a second career. Politicians often provide comics with plenty of material, which means that Durban's socialite politician, Loganathan (Logie) Naidoo, should have no problem with getting the crowd going by adding an interesting colourful twist to the nights hilarities.

With a line-up like that, the show is bound to be one of the best ones yet, so don't miss the Kings and Queens of Comedy, 9 February 2018 at the Durban ICC. Tickets from R185 and are available through Computicket online and the various retail outlets. The show starts at 8pm and is rated PG16. 

Riaad Moosa - Life Begins Tour

South Africa's favourite Doctor come comedian is back with another tour that is sure to leave the audiences in stitches!....of laughter, not the medical type. In his latest show, 'Life Begins', Riaad explores the myth of the saying "Life Begin's at 40", in a hilarious one man show which is a snapshot into his life as a 40 year old, a father of three kids, husband, comedian, actor and with all the current cultural and political issues thrown in. 

Having already treated sold-out crowds in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the next leg of his tour see's him visiting Rustenburg, Newcastle, Durban and Empangeni from the 21st of October. 

"Even though I am now 40, in many ways, I feel like I'm still crawling and I'm looking back at my journey from being an aspirational doctor, coming from a relatively conservative Muslim background, where both of my parents were doctors, and how I actually journeyed to becoming a stand-up comedian" - says Riaad

Being a qualified Doctor, Riaad has spent most of his life treating people with laughter on stage and in doing so he has won many awards for his stand-up, acting, writing and presenting. He has built his reputation to be one of South Africa's most popular and acclaimed funny men. His jokes serve as a remedy for the nations ill's. 

"The show is very philosophical and existential. It involves the normal issues of getting older while at the same time experiencing, at a maturity where I'm supposed to be wise, a world that is completely turned on its head - with Trump, with Brexit; In South Africa, the 'State Capture', 'Fees Must Fall, 'DOOM'. And it's about how I negotiate all these things happening around me while trying to maintain a positive attitude. Through my comedic lends, I hope to put a different spin on that and hopefully my next 40 years will be lived with renewed vigour and excitement" _ Moosa added

To make sure you get your prescription of laughter with Riaad Moosa's side splitting funny one-man show, Life Begins, at the following venues around South Africa:

• 21 October (20h00) - Rustenburg Civic Centre, Rustenburg
• 4 November (20h00) - Blackrock Casino, Newcastle
• 10, 11, 12 November (20h00) - The Playhouse Theatre, Durban
• 18 November (20h00) - Umfolozi Hotel Casino and Convention Centre Resort, Empangeni

Tickets from R150 and are now on sale at Computicket online and outlets. 

For more information, follow Riaad on Twitter and Facebook

Kings & Queens of Comedy - Bigger & Funnier than ever!

Durban, get ready to laugh your way into 2017 with some of the best comedians in the country! This February see's the Kings and Queens of comedy franchise return to the East Coast, and it is guaranteed to be a show of hysterical proportions, with a bigger and funnier stellar line up than before. It will be the show to kick off the world tour of the Kings and Queens of Comedy and it all goes down on the 11th of February 2017 and the Durban ICC. 

Taking to the stage with their comical armour and witty swords are Marc Lottering, Tumi Morake, Loyiso Gola, Celeste Ntuli, Leeanda Reddy, Krijay Govender, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Joey Rasdien, Tol AssMo, Khanyisa Bunu and Rory Petzer. Leading the evenings proceedings is Durban's favourite comedian, Darren Maule with a special guest appearance by Morgan Beatbox. 

Kings and Queens of Comedy began in 2012 in Johannesburg and has since grown to be one of the leading comedy brands in South Africa, promoting and showcasing local talent from around the country. Don't miss out on all the laughter by getting your tickets today to the funniest show in town. Tickets range from R185 and are now available through Computicket online and leading outlets. 

The show details again:

Date: Saturday, 11th February 2017

Time: 20h00 (Doors open at 19h00)

Venue; Durban ICC, 45 Bram Fischer Road, Durban. 

Tickets: www,computicket.com

Riaad Moosa & Friends - Durban

The holiday season is almost upon us and what better way to kick things off than with some laughter? Riaad Moosa and Friends features one of SA's most accomplished stand up comics along with some of South Africa's most favourite comedians who take to the stage for one night only at the Durban ICC. Join them as they take laughter to the next level on Saturday the 10th of December.

The show will be hosted by the Good Doctor Riaad Moosa, who will be returning to the stage in Durban for the first time in two years. He will be joined by a hilarious ensemble of fellow friends including Darren Maule, Simmi Areff, Yaaseen Barnes, Jason Goliath, Neil Green and the leading lady of comedy, Tumi Morake. 

With this great line up for SA comedy giants, it is guaranteed to be a show of hysterical proportions and one that is definitely not to be missed! Durban loves it's comedy and it's great that we are getting a show of this caliber to feed our appetite for the stand up show case. 

Tickets for Riaad Moosa and Friends are available through Computicket and pricing states from R185. Doors open at 7pm and the show begins at 8pm. The Durban ICC is located at 45 Bram Fischer Road, Durban. 

This production is another one brought to you by Blue Blood and Kings and Queens of Comedy. 

Bucket Scene: The Dutch - ReImagined

Many a Durban night goer would be familiar with the Dutch in the Umhlanga Village, popular for it's classic 70's style decor, live bands and great bar but the owners of this fine establishment felt that it wasn't what they had envisioned for the place. After a brief shutdown in February, the Dutch reopened it's doors to the public and I was invited to sample what the new look, well rather "re imagined" Dutch is all about. 

I get asked all the time for popular night spots for people to visit and dine at, and also places that offer live entertainment, whilst there are plenty of places in Durban that offer great food, there was a gap in the market for a place that offered both. The Dutch always prided themselves in hosting some of the best local talents on their stage but their food menu was limited to tapas like variety but that has all changed now. The team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you a menu that takes your taste buds on a gastronomical adventure. 

The Dutch now operates as premium dinning and entertainment venue, with them operating from Tuesday to Saturday with live entertainment scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Unlike before, booking is a must if you want to visit the Dutch as the venue can accommodate 100 seated guest and a few more around the bar. Since the venue is now a restaurant, crowd control is paramount to ensure that diners have the best dinning experience. Whilst still enjoying themselves to the entertainment on offer.

The night of my visit, Durban's very own Gangs of Ballet were performing live. With their performance scheduled for 10pm it gave diners ample time to enjoy dinner before the show started, speaking of dinner, it's definitely not to be skipped, the menu is a mixture of local favourites with a twist only the Dutch could pull off. One does not have to do a full dinner as tapas and cocktails can be had either at your table or at the bar. 

For starters I opted for the Prawn Samoosa, which consist of a generous amount of prawns and yellow potato filling served in 3 golden brown crispy fried samoosa's served on a bed of cucumber raita and paprika oil. It's the perfect balance of hot and cool, with flavours to awaken your sense for the next course. 

For mains they have seven options to chose from, whether you looking for something light like a burger or sliders to a fillet steak served on cheese polenta and red wine jus. They even one of the few restaurants I know of that serve Norwegian Salmon that is specially imported and prepared in miso and honey glaze, accompanied with umami courgette stir fry, sweet confit cherry tomatoes and wasabi spinach mayo.

Whilst the first and second course might be quite a mouthful, be sure to save some space for dessert! With the Dutch being from the same brainchild as Remo's and Old Town Italy who are both renowned for their pastries and desserts, most particularly the ever popular cronut, you know the dessert menu is going to be good. While I opted for the lemon brulee, which was more of a deconstructed lemon meringue, a friend at the table went for the coconut macaroons. Both of which were exceptional and left us wanting more.

With our hunger satisfied, it was time for us to settle in and enjoy the sounds of the guys from Gangs of Ballet who took us away with their wonderful melodies in a great unplugged set whilst enjoying our drinks for the rest of the night. It was truly a great evening out and an experience that was missing in the Durban night. Whether you go for dinner or just for a quiet drink, the Dutch will certainly cater for even the most distinguished taste. 

For  booking inquiries and more information,

Telephone: 060 588 5674

Website: http://thedutch.co.za/

Facebook: Dutchism

Instagram: the.dutch

Address: Cnr of Chartwell Dr & Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga

Kevin Hart - Win with Savanna Premium Cider

With tickets for the Kevin Hart "What Now?" International tour almost sold out in South Africa, the guys behind the popular beverage are giving fans of the comedian another chance to watch the show but this time, in London!

Yes you read right, Savanna is giving you the chance to see the most sort out stand up comedian in London, all expenses paid! "With the South African shows practically sold out Savanna wants to give its fans another chance to catch the Kevin Hart What Now? Comedy Tour - this time live in London! Winners from our recent consumer under cap promotion will be announced per city in due course. The winners for the London trip can expect a great show as well as other authentic London experiences" - Marcel Swain, Savanna SA Marking Manager

For more information regarding this once in a life time opportunity, visit the Savanna Cider Facebook page  before the 3rd of December and you could be in London, to witness Kevin Hart live at the O2 Arena on Sunday the 24th of January! Savanna will take care of all flights, accommodation and meals, and will assist all three winners with their visas, but you will need to have a valid passport to qualify. 

If you not one of the lucky ones, don't forget you can still see Kevin Hart perform live in South Africa! His tour kicks off at the Grand Arena in Cape Town on 26 March 2016 followed by the Durban ICC on the 28th and ends off at the Dome in Johannesburg on the 30th of March. Kevin Hart What Now? Comedy Tour is promoted by Real Concerts with co-partners M-Net, 9.47, KFM and ECR. 

Follow Savanna Cider on their various social media streams for more. 

Twitter: @SavannaCider

Facebook: SavannaCider

Instagram: savannacider

Kevin Hart What Now Tour, brought to you by Savanna

I'm a big fan of stand up comedy, and try to attend most of the local events as I feel we have some amazing talent in this country. So amazing that some are taking over the world, yes Trevor has done well for himself but not only him, others have been travelling regularly to over seas comedy festivals and sending crowds into hysterics with thier jokes.

This past Saturday I attended the Savanna Before and After Party at Greyville, although the party was to celebrate a new bottle that the refreshing cider now comes in, the hosts for the evening were members of SA's comedy scene, Dave Levinsohn and Kagiso Lediga. Savanna have always played a pivitol role in South African comedy form their inception in 1996, with them sponsoring numerous events as well as using famed comedians like Kagiso in their TV commericals, cracking dry one liners.

However as much as we do like our local guys, we cannot ignore the global names, one of which who has in the past few years sky rocketed to fame, not only with his stand up but by acting in a number of Hollywood Blockbusters. His current What Now? world tour is billed as the biggest comedy tour of all time, who am I talking about? Kevin Hart. Yes Savanna Premium Cider is pulling out all the stops in bringing down this pint size comedic genius, his charasmatic appeal as well as fast-talking sharp witted style of comedy is a perfect fit into Savanna's dry take on humour.

Kevin's tour see's it reach our shores in March 2016 with shows confirmed for Cape Town on the 26th, Durban on the 28th and Johannesburg on the 30th. It's sure to be a great show seeing that he's being performing to sell performances in USA, Canada, Australia and the UK! It's definitely one not to be missed.

The Kevin Hart What Now? Comedy Tour is promoted by Real Concerts with co-partners M-Net, 947 and East Coast Radio. Tickets are available now from Computicket.

Catch the latest Kevin Hart What Now? Comedy Tour updates on Savanna’s popular social

feeds on Savannacider, Twitter @SavannaCider, savannacider and YouTube.