COMEDIANS in brief South Africans: Mel Miller, David Kau, John Vlismas, Mark Banks, Al Prodgers, Cokey Falkow and more From around the world: John Fealey, Jocelyn Jee, Stewart Francis, Martin Davis, Mike Wilmot, Steve Amos
Jo'burg: In the main hall at the Civic Theatre, see... Martin Davis (UK) is back for the fourth year running. South African audiences thrive on his insult-driven comedy, and keep coming back for more. According to the press, Martin promises to be "...absurd and ridiculously funny". See '99 Pictures Jocelyn Jee (UK) is the only woman in the line-up - and hails from London, where most people don't smile that much. She's winner of awards as 'Best International Newcomer' and the 'Black International Awards'. John Fealey (Scouser) has performed in over 20 countries at feativals Vancouver to New Zealand's Laugh Festival. He's supported the likes of Eddy Izzard, was one of the famous comic duo 'The Uncles', and it's his second year at Smirnoff - in fact this photo was taken at the bar last year. A clever, quiet, laugh-out-loud comedian. '99 Pictures Mike Wilmot (Canada) has acted in movies as well as appearing as a fixture in three big international comedy fests will "...demolish the crowd to belly aching laughs with his fast-paced delivery and almost cruel repertoire on real life issues." Steve Amos (UK) is a highly respected compere internationally. He's much sought after for his "...wicked and suave charm, and smoother than triple distilled vodka shot delivery." Steve (UK) has impressed at the best Festivals - from Edinburgh, to Bug Jam and Glastonbury. Stewart Francis, notorious for his sharp, twisted one-liners has travelled the international scene from Canada to Australia and Britain. Stewart is the final frontier. If you can't laugh at him, you're just too fine, upstanding, and serious. Back for the second year running, satirised hairstyle intact. '99 Pics John Vlismas Most South Africans know John - one of the top standup acts in the Country. He now runs and MCs his own Jo'burb night, "Smoking Comedy", showcasing some of the best acts in SA Website. Mark Banks works all over the world - from Jo'burg to London. He's probably one of the most famous SA comix, and deservedly so. He gets away with murder, though it's PAGAD wants him dead... Interview. David Kau shot to stardom, some say literally. He works on eTV's the Toasty Show, can handle any room (even Ratanga Junction), and writes really original, truly international South African material. Website. Mel Miller 'Captain Chaos' promises to offend all, irrespective of race, colour or creed. Mel's been around through the bad old days, when he got arrested for what he said on stage, and he's back since 1996, better than new. Website. Al Prodgers headlines (and storms) regularly in Jo'burg and Namibia as well as working on TV as an actor and scriptwriter. He supported Steve Wright on the Cape Town leg of his South African tour and has worked in London clubs. Website Cokey Falkow made his name (literally, he used to be called John) in South Africa at last year's festival, is currently busy with the M-Net Zine "Big City" and performs here and in Los Angeles. Website The SA comics aren't all on every night - they'll alternate to make space for the oversease acts Noteable absences: from the Jo'burg line-up include Joe Parker, Alyn Adams, and Martin Jonas. The Fresh Faces Master of Ceremonies: Lee Canterbury used to work as a holiday rep - he's a friendly standup comic with numerous TV credits who can play or MC any crowd, and comedyclubs.co.uk describes him as "...a ball of energy rolling around the stage". He'll be keeping the ball rolling for the various acts at in the Tesson Theatre. The Fresh Faces line-up is made up of Joe Parker's regular acts - Trevor Sturgess, Roni Modimola, Trevor Clarence, Steve Bradley, Andrew Frater, Chris Forrest, Amanda Wilson, Vittorio, Ryan Whittal and Nhlanhla Sicelo. Also other fairly established younger Jo'burg comedians including Rob Fridge and the HouseBoys. Most of these comedians have been onstage for at least a year already, some longer, but are not yet "big names". Fresh faces aims to put them in the spotlight, giving new talent a chance. More info about them soon to be available from M-Web.

PAST EVENTS

We reported on events during the 1999 Smirnoff International Comedy Festival held in Cape Town and Durban during October 99 - some Pics and nasty comments - check out these archives.

ComedyClub ran a daily updates on Stand-up at the Grahamstown festival 1999 - providing festival press clippings, comics' comments on the festival and show times as well as festival tips.