Comedians bring laughter to Paulshof
PAULSHOF – Tuesday comedy shows at Off the Grid aim to make the community to laugh while assisting upcoming and established comedians.
Comedy shows running at a Paulshof pub have had the community laughing for a year.
Off the Grid has hosted a number of events to support the arts industry since October 26 last year as many were unable to perform during the height of Covid-19 restrictions.
Comedian Robyn Dunlop has been running the shows since performances started and the community has shown immense support. “Every week we have a different line-up of comedians, so there is variety every week,” he said.
“There are a handful of audience members that come back every time to see the new acts. Sometimes the bar is packed when we get a big headliner in. The space is really growing into a comedy room which is fun for comedians and audiences every time.”
With the year’s success of the shows, Dunlop said it will be now running on Tuesdays, every two weeks. “Comedy was definitely hard hit by Covid, with all three major comedy clubs in South Africa closing permanently. It’s been really tough for all comedians. Shifting online is not the same as instant feedback from an audience. Waiting for emojis in the comments section is a rather bizarre way to perform.
“Most of our shows are held in small bars across the country, so with the alcohol bans and curfews, comedy is non-existent.”
With regards to the impact of Covid-19 on comedy in the country, Dunlop said, “This year has been really tough for comedy in South Africa, an industry that has been slowly growing for years has suddenly gone back almost to square one in a matter of months.”
Co-owner of Off the Grid, Albert Gumbo was approached by Dunlop to run the shows last year. He said bringing in the shows allows upcoming and established comics to try new material or tweak their craft.
“We also see it as an extremely important tonic for all that ails us as a nation, from serious topics like Covid and temporary challenges like load-shedding. When the nation laughs it off, we all breathe easier and live better as far as our mental health is concerned,” he said.
Dunlop hopes to expand the shows into the greater Fourways area.
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