Artistry
Award-winning musician, (and chef) J’Something, has partnered with hotel and apartment network, BlackBrick to bring Artistry to the Sandton entertainment scene. The cultural platform aims to bring locals the best of the culinary, cinematic, theatrical and musical arts. They say that laughter is the best medicine which is why Sundays are for therapy! Sundays are for therapy is a new segment launched at the Sandton establishment. Local comedians such as Nicholas Goliath and Lindy Johnson (among other comedians) are bound to bring your weekend to a close in the best way possible. We recommend keeping an eye on their social media pages for artists and comedians announcements.
Details: 22 Fredman Drive, Sandown, Sandton
thisisartistry.co.za
Gatzbys Live
Located in Midrand, the live music venue also plays host to some of South Africa’s best live acts and comedians of the highest caliber! A handful of their regular acts include names such as; Robby Collins, Durban comedian, Bash with Tash and Trevor Gumbi to name a few. For great music, an awesome stand up comedy set up and relaxed atmosphere be sure to pay them a visit. If you are interested in catching a show, then view their upcoming events here.
Details: Sandridge Square, Corner New and Lever Roads, Midrand
The Bioscope Independent Theatre
If you are looking for a super cool vibe and some serious laughs, check out the The Bioscope Independent Theatre at 44 Stanley in Milpark. Each Sunday evening, they have a line up of hot and upcoming local talent. The comedy evening kicks off from 18:30 with the show lasting roughly 2 hours. Occasionally, attendees can look forward to special surprise spots from other comics on the nights. Make it a date night and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants at 44 Stanley before enjoying a relaxing evening out. View the upcoming shows here.
Details: 44 Stanley Avenue, Braamfontein Werf | 061 900 4457 | info@thebioscope.co.za
Theatre on The Square
The life and soul of Nelson Mandela Square! This well-known comedy club has been operating since 1994 and has played host to local and international plays, musicals and of course, comedy! The house of funny is great for date nights, too. Treat your sweetheart to a romantic dinner on the Square before hitting up a show. An intimate 200 seater venue, this theatre is ideal for stand up sets. As such, they regularly host Joburg’s top comedians, including the likes of Nik Robinowitz, Ndumiso Lindi and Jason Goliath. Interested in booking a show? View their full calendar here.
Details: Corner of Sandton Drive and Rivonia Road | 083 377 4969 |
theatreonthesquare.co.za
Funk BA
A popular comedy spot, Funk BA in Fourways is home to some of the most authentic comedy that South Africa has to offer. With shows mostly held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, this place is always abuzz with eager comedians and happy audiences. Order a platter to share, enjoy the Soul Music, R&B, Neo Soul and Funk and laugh out loud! View this Whiskey bar’s upcoming events here.
Details: Forest Road Design Décor Centre, Pineslopes, Fourways | 079 089 0839
The Lyric Theatre
The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City is undoubtedly Joburg’s premier comedy venue. Guests are welcomed with a grande staircase before making their way into the luxuriously guilded opera style theatre. The venue seats 1100 guests and regularly hosts comedy specials, including past Comedy Central Africa Roast events. Big comedy shows are also usually filmed here, so if you want to hear your laugh live on DVD, attend one of their events. Click here to view their upcoming shows.
Details: Northern Parkway &, Data Crescent, Ormonde, Johannesburg | 011 248 5168 | https://www.goldreefcity.co.za/entertainment/theatre/the-lyric-theatre
Joburg Theatre
Joburg Theatre has connected stars for more than 60 years and celebrated their Diamond Jubilee in 2022! Although their shows are predominantly theatrical and musical performances, the Joburg Theatre will make sure you are kept laughing all year round. The theatre is home to 4 fabulous stages: the world-renowned The Mandela, The Lesedi, The People’s Theatre and The Space.com which is usually allocated to independent theatre shows. Keep an eye on their latest shows by clicking this link.
Details: 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein | 011 877 6800 | info@joburgtheatre.com
Emperors Palace
The Kempton Park based entertainment resort plays host to the annual Johannesburg International Comedy Festival! The three day festival features over 20 comedians and is the largest independent comedy festival in Africa! Besides the festival, locals can also look forward to attending monthly shows where their favourite comedians make an appearance! Another popular occurrence at the casino and entertainment centre is Jokers July, that features a jam-packed hilarious line-up of top notch talent. Here’s what’s currently on at Emperors Palace.
Details: 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park | 011 928 1010 | http://www.emperorspalace.com
Do you know of any other comedy clubs in Joburg? Let us know about them!
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
