John Vlismas to ‘light’ up Harare

Stand-up comedian and entertainment promoter John Vlismas

By Idah Mhetu

SOUTH African stand-up comedian and entertainment promoter John Vlismas is scheduled to perform in Harare, at Reps theatre this month.

The Marondera born stand-up comedian, will perform in the capital at a show dubbed ‘Laugh Out Loud Ha-ha-ha-Harare’

Xtratime Entertainment spokesperson Tonderai Mwaita told the Financial Gazette that the idea of bringing international acts was for them to give the audience a five star comedy performance and also for the local comedy acts to adopt comic ideas from the foreign acts.

“The idea of bringing international acts is for us to give the nation a quality product and also for our local comedians to share the stage and learn from their more illustrious and experienced foreign counterparts,” he said.

Mwaita said he was confident Vlismas will give Harare a ‘rib cracking’ show since it is not his first time to perform in Harare.

The 43 year old comedian last performed in the country six years ago and left the audience in stitches.

“He performed in Harare six years back, leaving audiences clamouring for more,” he said.

“We are merely answering calls from comedy enthusiasts to bring him back after such a long time. John Vlismas is the rock star of comedy, miss his show at your own will” Mwaita said.

Vlismas won the 2007 South African Comedy Award for best stand-up comedian of the year and was a finalist in the 2008 Yuk Yuk’s Great Canadian Laugh Off.

In 2010, Vlismas was in the comedy film Outrageous with fellow South African comedians, Barry Hilton, Joey Rasdien, Loyiso Gola, Mark Banks, Riaad Moosa, and Krijay Govender – the only female in the cast.

In April 2014, Vlismas was part of the panel at Comedy Central Africa’s Roast of Kenny Kunene and Steve Hofmeyr

Vlismas is well known for his outspoken and observational humour. His ability to understand and comment on real-life social and economic affairs has earned him a broad fan base and growing corporate client base, as well as invitations to perform in England, Germany, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The award winning comedian has also written professionally for print, television, stage and radio and has appeared in and co-produced several South African Films. Vlismas has also worked as a television and radio presenter.

Xtra time Entertainment has been bringing international acts in a bid to take the local comedy scene to new heights.

They are the organisers of the popular Ugandan comedian Annie Kansiime’s two sold-out gigs held in November last year, apart from the Kansiime’s show they have also successful organised gigs for Goliath Goliath, Russell Peters and Barry Hilton.

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