The Jou Ma Se Comedy Club is the brainchild of South African comedian Kurt Schoonraad. Hailing from Mitchell's Plain, Schoonraad's earthy humour makes him a real South African boykie in every way. He has hosted numerous South African TV shows, most noteworthy being the hit SABC travel show, Going Nowhere Slowly. Most recently he starred in the leading role in the Tim Greene romp-com movie Skeem, which won the People's Choice Award at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in 2011.
Schoonraad has pioneered the club to provide a regular reputable stand-up space for Cape Town's laugh-craving populace and established a support system for the industry while being seen as an ambassador by many of his contemporaries in the comedy industry.
The Waterfront itself was the first home of the Jou Ma Se Comedy Club as it was here, during The Cape Town Festival in 2005, that the club's comedy acts were first showcased at Manenberg's Jazz Café. The club subsequently moved to The Albert Hall in Woodstock (2007 to 2010) and then to The River Club in Observatory. Today, it is a powerful comedic brand, bringing comedy back home to entertain Waterfront visitors all year round.
The Pumphouse dates back to 1882 and is situated in Dock Road at the V&A Waterfront. It is used to pump water from the Robinson Dry Dock (the world's oldest working dry dock) and is also the building where the first dynamo was installed to help illuminate Table Bay Harbour, 10 years before the rest of Cape Town.
In the 1990s, The Pumphouse was host to, and well known for, a number of popular live entertainment venues. It is only fitting then, that JMSCC keep the rich history of The Pumphouse alive - not only with laughter, but with music too - as the club will showcase local musicians as part of its entertainment offering.
Revamping the historical space has been approached with tender love and care to preserve the site whilst creating the perfect new home for the Jou Ma Se Comedy Club. The venue will host the best the comedy world has to offer with both local and internationally iconic comedians gracing its stage. In addition to this world-class entertainment, patrons can enjoy great food, relax, laugh and just have fun in a safe, upmarket environment.
"Jou Ma se Comedy Club will bring with it not only a refreshing and light-hearted offering, but also a much-needed performance platform to showcase the great comedic talent of Cape Town, and South Africa. The Waterfront has broad appeal in its variety on offer and this comedy club gives local and international visitors an additional reason to experience the V&A by night in an historic location," said the V&A Waterfront's CEO, David Green.
Jou Ma Se Comedy Club will open for business at the end of October 2013. The Pumphouse at the V&A Waterfront Jou Ma Se Comedy Club will be open from Wednesday to Sunday from 7pm.
For corporate and festive bookings, contact az.oc.tnemeganamcnys@mas or call +27 (0)21 462 1664 or +27 (0)72 983 7155.
For general bookings, contact moc.ydemocesamuoj@ofni or call +27 (0)79 495 3989.
