Parker’s to host open-mic comedy showdown at Nando’s Jozi Comedy Festival

This year, the Comedy Showdown will again give aspiring comedians – and those already honing their trade on stage – the chance to test their skills in a series of heats (each Wednesday from 30 June to 21 July), with the winner of the final on 28 July getting to share the stage with the Jozi Comedy Festival’s international heavyweights like Chile’s impresario of impressions Pablo Franciso; all-action Mexican, Al Madrigal; Korean MADtv star, Bobby Lee; multi-talented Russian-American, Kira Soltanovich; and Grammy-winning New Yorker, Jonathan Arons on the closing night of the UN Comedy Show on 1 August.

During the heats, the wannabe stand-ups will have to impress the audience, who vote for their favourite each time. At the final on 21 July, the five finalists will have to win over a panel comprising an international comedian; a local comedian; an industry professional; and a member of the public. Entry to the Comedy Showdown is open only to comedians who have not performed a one-man show in a professional theatre venue, or at either the Cape Town International or the Jozi Comedy Festival.

Joe Parker is delighted to again be able to offer a platform for ‘newbie’ comics to take the next step in their performance careers. “Last year, we unearthed some real gems who are now working comedians on the SA circuit,” he says. “We can’t wait to see what fantastic talents we unearth at Parker’s as part of this year’s Comedy Showdown.”

Comedy fans keen to see South Africa’s fresh new faces at the Comedy Showdown can purchase tickets for R70 via the Parker’s Comedy & Jive Website at www.parkerscomedy.com, by calling 011 511 0081, or at Computicket. Comedy Showdown shows start at 21:00.

For more information on the Nando’s Jozi Comedy Festival, visit www.comedyfestival.co.za.