Comedy in Cape Town: The Funniest Shows, Places, and Acts

Comedy in Cape Town is having a renaissance as of late. Whether it’s sold-out arena shows by South Africa’s biggest comics or a weekly evening of jokes by up-and-comers at a beloved local venue, this guide has recommendations for anyone wanting a laugh on a night out.

Nina Hastie’s Tangents

With over two decades in South African entertainment, a Netflix special, and several international awards, Nina Hastie is one of the country’s most in-demand talents. After debuting earlier this year, Hastie’s latest stand-up special returns to the Mother City this December.

Tangents is a fast, fearless, deeply honest journey through the spectacular mess of being neurodivergent and not being able to stay on one topic at a time. In the show, Nina tackles ADHD side-quests, romantic misadventures, identity crises, family drama, bad decisions, worse decisions, and all the delightful nonsense of living in South Africa. Audiences can expect to hear Hastie’s trademark emotional vulnerability and sharp punchlines on a night of spirals and detours.

Hastie is a two-time DStv nominee, a standout on Netflix’s Only Jokes Allowed, a presenter of the SAFTA-nominated Trending SA, and has credits on Trevor Noah’s Welcome to South Africa campaign and NBCUniversal’s Celebrity Game Night. She has also hosted many prestigious national events, including the Savanna Comic’s Choice Awards and the SA Hip Hop Awards.

Cost: R220 per person. Book now on Quicket.

When: Friday – Sunday, 11 – 13 December 2026 | 8pm – 9.45pm (Fri & Sat) | 7.30pm – 9.15pm (Sun)
Where: The Capital 15 On Orange, Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town

The Hilarious Deep Amazing Comedy Show

South African comedy star Gilli Apter finally brings her internationally touring stand-up show to Cape Town, after selling out in Johannesburg for over two years. The show keeps up with the times, as Apter discusses everything from AI and Botox to ADHD and local politics, all in one limited run in the Mother City.

Starting out at open mics in her native Johannesburg, Gilli Apter has become one of the most influential voices in South African comedy, with The Hilarious Deep Amazing Comedy Show playing to sold-out rooms in some of the biggest cities in the world, including London, Sydney, Amsterdam, Madrid, and more. Those who want a glimpse at her relatable stories can find her stand-up special, Only Jokes Allowed, available on Netflix, and her appearance on Trevor Noah’s Nationwild, to see her work before going to the live show.

After selling out the same venue for Women’s Day in 2026, Apter comes back to Cape Town for one last laugh to round out the year.

Cost: From R290 per person. Book now on Quicket.

When: Thursday – Saturday, 17 – 19 December 2026 | 8pm – 10pm
Where: Homecoming Centre, Avalon Auditorium, 15 Buitenkant St, District Six, Cape Town

Jimmy Carr

One of the world’s biggest comedians is coming to GrandWest in 2027, bringing his Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny stand-up special to the Mother City. Known for his witty one-liners and dark humour, Carr has sold out arenas in over 50 countries and regularly releases chart-topping comedy specials on Netflix. He also hosts several prominent UK game shows, including 8 Out Of 10 Cats and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year, and has won a British Comedy Award for Best Live Comic.

“Jimmy tells jokes. Jokes attract people. But they can also repel them. If dark comedy isn’t your thing, this might not be the show for you. But if it is? You’re going to love it.”

Pre-sale goes live from 30 September at 9am. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 9am on Friday, 2 October 2026 from www.ticketmaster.co.za and www.bigconcerts.co.za.

When: 14 March 2027
Where: GrandArena at GrandWest, 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Acacia Park, Cape Town

Urzila Carlson: Live in SA

South African-born, New Zealand-based comedian Urzila Carlson brings her stand-up to Cape Town for the first time, performing at Auditorium 2 in the CTICC as part of Big Concerts’ touring programme.

Carlson has built an international following through sold-out shows across Australasia, North America and the UK, alongside television work including Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Masked Singer Australia and her 2020 Netflix special Overqualified Loser. In 2019, she became the top-selling comedian in the history of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Tickets go on general sale through Ticketmaster on 7 August 2026, with earlier presale windows for Mastercard holders and the Big Concerts Fan Club. The show carries an age restriction of 16 and over.

Cost: From R885 per person. Book now on Ticketmaster.

When: 30 July 2027 | 8pm – 9.30pm
Where: CTICC, 1 Lower Long St, Cape Town City Centre

Regular comedy events

Gone Laughing

The latest addition to the Cape Town comedy circuit, Gone Laughing at HiBall Cocktail Bar features a variety of established and up-and-coming acts in an intimate setting. Running every Wednesday in the heart of Cape Town, each evening, guests enjoy stand-up comedy up close while indulging in the bar’s weekly food and drink specials

Featured comics have included Panch Gasela, Lindy Johnson, Chuma Bentele, Yaaseen Barnes, Simmi Areff, Wesley Paulse, Jerard Venter, Mat Maluks, Daniele Du Plessis and more.

Cost: R100 per person. Book now on Quicket.

When: Every Wednesday | 7pm – 10pm
Where: HiBall Cocktail Bar, 61 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre

Comedy Night at Ground Culture Cafe

Ground Culture Cafe hosts a weekly Friday night lineup show that has become a staple of the city’s comedy circuit. Each performance, hosted by the award-winning Jaryd Pillay, typically features six to eight comedians representing a variety of styles, opinions, and levels of expertise. The structure of these comedy events lets newer performers share the stage with more established acts, helping develop Cape Town’s comedy network.

In keeping with its reputation as a platform for both well-known and up-and-coming talent, Ground Culture Cafe has previously hosted South African comedians such as Nik Rabinowitz, Barry Hilton, Riaad Moosa, Dillan Oliphant, Nina Hastie, Rob van Vuuren, KG Mokgadi, and Chester Missing.

In 2026, Ground Culture won Best Comedy Show at the 2026 Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards.

Cost: R100 per person. Tickets are available on the website.

When: Every Friday | 8pm – 10.30pm | Doors open at 6.30pm
Where: 171 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town

Stand-Up Nights at the Fire & Ice Hotel

Hosted by Samoka SA, this comedy night features some of the biggest names coming out of the local scene, like Dillan Oliphant, Ndumiso Lindi, and Celeste Ntuli.

Comedy fans looking for a show in their native language should pay attention to the upcoming lineups, as these events often feature headliners performing in isiXhosa, isiZulu, and more. Sometimes, jokes just don’t hit the same in English.

Cost: Depends on the show. Tickets can be booked on Quicket.

When: Shows are organised semi-regularly | Interested parties should keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram for lineups, dates, and times.
Where: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice, 64 New Church Street, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town

Last Thursdays: Comedy in a Surf Shop

Kiff Comedy brings its monthly Last Thursdays stand-up night back to Atlantic Surf Collective, turning the working surf shop into an unconventional comedy venue for one evening. The September lineup is headlined by Jaryd Pillay, the comedian behind Pillayboy and a Jive Funny Festival winner with accolades from the National Arts Festival in Makhanda.

He’s joined by host Gareth Kiff, alongside Lerato Sokhulu, Chuma Bentele, a co-winner of this year’s Jive Funny Festival, KwaZulu-Natal comic and podcaster Bob Perfect, Caramel Simba, Zimbabwean comedian Frank Chirisa, and actress and comedian Danielle Du Plessis, rounding out a seven-person lineup for the evening.

With every previous edition selling out, guests are encouraged to pick up tickets early to laugh along with award-winning comedians in an intimate, lively atmosphere. All show details are available on their Instagram. The night carries an age restriction of no under-16s.

Cost: R50 per person. Book now on Quicket.

When: Last Thursdays | 8pm – 10pm
Where: Atlantic Surf Collective, 2 Coral Rd, Table View, Cape Town

Mojo Silly Thursdays

Mojo Market’s flagship weekly comedy night features new lineups each time, platforming fresh debutants alongside established, veteran acts. With Mojo’s usual 30+ food stalls, five bars, and live comedy on stage, this regular event is a great way to spice up the week, particularly on First Thursdays.

Each act is varied – from roastmasters to wisecracking comics, and sometimes even a magician or two – with previous highlights including Khanyiso Kenqa, Wesley Paulse, Lunga Tshuka, and JamJam.

When: Every Thursday | From 7.30pm
Where: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town

Cape Town Comedy Club

No longer a set venue in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Comedy Club now offers pop-up shows at various venues across the Mother City. Headed by veteran Kurt Schoonraad and featuring newer comic voices like Phil de Lange, KG Mogadi and Wesley Paulse, comedy fans should keep an eye on their socials to see what big event is up next.

When: Next show TBD
Where: Bomb Shelter Brew Pub, Unit B3 Park, Sunrise Circle, Pinelands, Cape Town