They say laughter is the best medicine, and as winter starts to shove its fingers into our stuffy nostrils, we promise that a good laugh is the best way to deal with it. Bundle up your besties and book a night at one of Joburg’s incredible comedy clubs, guaranteed to have you feeling better than rubbing Vicks on your chest.
Savanna Comic’s Choice Awards
Celebrating the absolute best in the biz, the Savanna Comic’s Choice Awards is the ultimate annual showcase in South African comedy, and it will be taking place on 2 May 2025 at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City. It’s Africa’s biggest comedy awards, and this year it’s a family affair, hosted by Goliath and Goliath. Experience the funniest South Africans taking to the stage, with headline acts and newcomers alike.
Tickets from R220 on Quicket.
Bioscope Sundays
Winner of the “Best Comedy Show” at Savanna Comic’s Choice Awards in 2024, Bioscope Sundays are the perfect way to close out your week with a mix of upcoming and established comedians showing off their best work. The show kicks off at 6:30 PM, and you can order popcorn, grown-up slushies, and pizza, making this the perfect date night. Hosted by Shanray Van Wyk and Tsitsi Chiumaya, the lineup is always hot and always hilarious. See this week’s lineup here and follow them on Instagram.
Hush Money
Catch weekly comedy at Hush Money Funny in Norwood, regularly featuring heavyweights like Bongani Dube, Celeste Ntuli, and Tumi Morake. An elevated sky lounge with 360 views, dinner, and cocktails, it’s the perfect start to a Friday night with a belly laugh and an evening to remember. The show starts at 7:30 PM and features three killer comedians on the lineup. Tickets are R100. Check out their lineups on Instagram.
South Africa is a Movie
Modipane A-Lister brings his highly anticipated one-man, one-night-only comedy special to the stage, where he reflects on his journey from humble beginnings to a much-loved comedian.
Catch this hilarious show at the Blue Theatre at Soweto Theatre on 2 May 2026. Grab your tickets at Webtickets.
In Comedy, We Trust
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Eish, but life is tough right now,” this is the comedy show for you. In Comedy, We Trust is a show about how comedy remains a place of relief, truth, and connection in a time when many of our lives, our country, and society often feel heavy and uncertain. Iconic comedians Pelepele, David Kau, Celeste Ntuli, Chris Forrest, and Mashabela take to the stage at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City on 30 May 2026 to show us that, in laughter, we can trust.
Book your tickets at Webtickets.
Improv Comedy Nights
Up-and-coming and established improv comedians are ready to make you laugh out loud with everything made up directly on the spot! The Assembly Improv hosts showcase nights every week in May, creating scenes from audience participation. It’s an excellent way to spend a Saturday night watching creativity unfold. Catch one of their shows on 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 May 2026 from 6:30 pm -7:30 pm. Tickets are R50.
They also host free drop-in classes for anyone curious about the art of chaotic comedy - A musical drop-in on 24 May and an improv drop-in on 31 May. Book here.
Comedy is an integral part of Joburg’s lifeblood, and South Africans have a unique sense of humour and the distinct ability to laugh our way through almost any situation. As the seasons change, one thing is certain: we will always have the nation’s funniest people to laugh with.