Prepare for a night of unrestrained laughter as Kurt Schoonraad, one of South Africa’s most beloved and influential comedians, returns to the stage with his latest one-man show, Funny Side Up. Running from 12 to 17 May at the esteemed Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, this highly anticipated comedy event promises to deliver an evening filled with clever observations and heartwarming humour.
Schoonraad’s signature style merges wit, warmth, and uniquely South African humour, as he delves into the absurdities of modern life. From navigating the daily chaos to unearthing silver linings amidst relentless change, his performance serves as a delightful reminder that laughter is an essential coping mechanism in turbulent times.
“Funny Side Up as a title is just a metaphor for never losing your sense of humour,” Schoonraad explained. “The last few years since Covid have been challenging, particularly for artists. But no matter what, laughter remains a powerful tool to get through life’s ups and downs.”
With a career that spans decades — including a notable feature on the front page of The New York Times — Schoonraad has solidified his reputation as a comedic powerhouse. His impressive resume includes sharing the stage with legends like John Cleese, Russell Peters, and Pauly Shore, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences both locally and internationally through his earthy humour and dynamic stage presence.
Revisiting the Baxter Theatre marks a significant milestone for Schoonraad, as he reflects on the evolution of his craft. “I had my first one-man show, Punchlines, on this very stage 22 years ago,” he shared. “It’s played a huge role in shaping the stand-up comedy genre we know today, and I’ve been lucky to be part of that.”
Audiences can expect an innovative and refreshing performance in Funny Side Up, where Schoonraad amplifies everyday experiences into comedic gold. “I take what we all see every day, add a character or two, and hold up a mirror to the audience. We almost always react to stimuli similarly—I put that into sharp focus and create a hyperbole we can all relate to. That’s funny,” he noted. The show showcases a more mature approach while retaining a sense of playful adolescent spirit: “Hopefully, we bring that all together in Funny Side Up and keep it very entertaining.”
His creative process is spontaneous and fluid, allowing inspiration to flow from unexpected sources. “Stories come through me, not from me,” he explained. “I pick up pieces everywhere: on the street, in the news, or sometimes in traffic. You never know where it’ll come from.” Schoonraad dives into themes and topics familiar to every South African, whether discussing shopping, pop culture, cosmetic surgery, or the thrill of Formula 1.
As the South African comedy scene continues to evolve, Schoonraad recognises the determination of younger comedians who are regaining their momentum post-Covid. “I’ve produced a lot of comedy over the years with Cape Town Comedy Club, but now I want to focus more on Kurt Schoonraad as a brand. It sounds weird to speak about myself in the third person,” he remarked. However, one thing remains certain: Funny Side Up promises to bring audiences an escapism experience with a therapeutic twist.
For those planning to attend, Schoonraad has one last message: “Hair down, feet up. Escapism with a therapy twist—it’ll be fun!”