Top new comics at the Savanna Newcomer Showcase

The Savanna Newcomer Showcase kicks off as the first event on this year’s awards' calendar. Each of the 20 new comedians (many of whom have never performed to a large theatre audience) will have exactly five minutes to do a stand-up comedy set, while seasoned comedians and the comedy-loving public look – and laugh – on. The aim of the event is to give the newcomers a platform to show the industry what they’re made of, so that the industry knows who to vote for.

What’s more, look forward to special guest performances and appearances by previous Savanna Newcomer Award winners Yaaseen Barnes (2015), Loyiso Madinga (2014), Schalk Bezuidenhout (2013), Dillan Oliphant (2012), and Deep Fried Man (2011).

Audience vote

Even though the Savanna Newcomer Award is not open to public vote, as a special thank you to comedy lovers, members of the public attending the showcase will be able to vote for their favourite comedian on the night. These public votes will be tallied together with the industry’s votes to select five nominees who’ll be announced on 6 July.

Doors open at the Soweto Theatre at 2.30pm for a pre-show shish nyama, banging house tunes from Kaya FM DJs and a complimentary Savanna Premium Cider on arrival. Ticket holders will not only have the chance to mingle with the future of stand-up comedy before the showcase kicks off at 4.30pm, but as this will be the place to be, they’ll get to rub shoulders with the best comedians in SA and top local celebs.

Tickets are R100 and are on sale at www.webtickets.co.za, Pick ‘n Pay stores and www.sowetotheatre.co.za. Tickets will also be on sale at the door, subject to availability.

Go to www.comicschoice.com for more information and to buy tickets to the 6th Annual South African Comics’ Choice Awards on 3 September, 2016, at the Teatro at Montecasino.