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Bay Harbour Comedy Supper Club in Cape Town
Enjoy barrels of laughs and tables of treats at the Bay Harbour Night Market
The Bay Harbour Market, situated on the water’s edge in Cape Town’s charming Hout Bay, is bringing funny back with the introduction of their comedy supper club, held on the first Wednesday evening of each month. With this monthly stand-up comedy show added to its repertoire, the nautical night market looks to get a whole lot naughtier, promising to put a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eye.
Opened in July 2011, the Bay Harbour Market, with its distinct creative energy and unique South African ambience, has proven itself to be a growing success with locals and foreigners alike. Held in an old fish factory in Hout Bay’s working harbour, it serves as a cultural hotspot where good food meets great company, and where vibrant traders sell eclectic wares amidst the hustle and bustle of a festive gathering.
Co-founders Anthony Stroebel and Paul Rutzen, working in collaboration with popular local comedian Mum-Z (Ndumiso Lindi), saw a chance to test uncharted waters and bring a more diverse crowd aboard by launching this monthly evening of meal and mirth.
As Anthony explains, “what is exciting is that there are few opportunities for comedians to showcase their talent to a big, highly appreciative audience, so we are creating an opportunity to grow the sector.” The night market offers an unusual setting in which to perform that, according to the co-founder, is thoroughly enjoyed by the comics, thus encouraging them to participate in future shows.
Mum-Z sources the comedic talent (such as the likes of Rob van Vuuren, Stuart Taylor and Mark Palmer) from across the country, bringing together a fresh line-up of quick wit and scandalous satire by a handful of acts each monthly show. Although the jokes have a kwaai-and-dry Mzansi twist, the comedy also appeals to the market’s international audience with its relevant contemporary humour. Viewers can expect hilarious but accurate takes on our nation’s many accents and cultural quirks, and an artillery of side-splitting punch lines about, amongst other interesting topics, current affairs and social communities.
In addition to setting tongues wagging, the show is sure to get stomachs grumbling too, so grab a quick bite to eat before you grab your seat. Although not all of the usual Bay Harbour Market food vendors are present on these evenings (the crafts and clothing stalls only operate at the weekend market), there is typically a diverse, decadent spread of supper-time snacks to choose from. Amongst many other options, you can opt to share a large wood-fired pizza dripping in mouth-watering mozzarella or go Chinese with plump dumplings and crisp spring rolls, washed down with a glass of refreshing organic cider. For dessert, a trip to the Belgian chocolate stand is an undeniable must. Fill your bag with all kinds of cocoa-rich treats, like miniature ganache-filled crêpes, chocolate-coated dried orange segments and clusters of white chocolate praline – the list is as endless as the pleasure.
The organisers of this budding venture have a host of plans for its future and hope to expand the market’s audience by putting it on the map as a top Mother City entertainment and shopping destination for residents and tourists alike. The Bay Harbour Market and South Africa’s emerging comedy scene need your support, so come on down, have a tasty supper, and, while you’re at it, have a good laugh too.
General standing tickets for the comedy show go for R70 per person, and just a few extra bucks (R90 per person) will guarantee you a pre-booked seat. A portion of all proceeds goes to supporting local charities.
By Camilla Marsh
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Cape Town is well known for its many top-notch bazaars, so be sure to check out our overviews of markets in the city centre and markets in the Southern Suburbs. If it’s a taste of local humour you’re after, have a gander at our guide to comedy venues in Cape Town.
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