Weekly comedy show to liven up your blue Mondays

MELVILLE – Comedians take to the stage to make difficult topics easier.

May 28, 2018

Andile Dlodlo 1 minute read

Loyiso Madinga enjoys the Monday Night Comedy show at Poppy's in Melville.

New and experienced comedians take away some of the Monday blues with hilarious performances at Poppy’s.

For the last few years, Poppy’s, a popular restaurant in Melville, has been hosting a weekly free show, Monday Night Comedy. Gavin Kelly, comedian and one of the organisers of this initiative said,

“We decided to start this to give comedians a space to try out new material, and support new comedians by giving them an opportunity to share the stage with those who are more experienced.”

Up-and-coming comedian Ambrose Uren enjoys a few laughs before he hist the stage at Poppy’s weekly Monday Night Comedy show.

Lazola Gola shares his funniest and weirdest thoughts at Monday Comedy Night. A weekly comedy show hosted at Poppy’s in Melville.

Over the years Poppy’s has hosted some international and local legendary comedians. People such as Loyiso and Lazola Gola, Kagiso Lediga, Robbie Collins and Loyiso Madinga – The Daily Show’s African correspondent – have graced this very stage. More impressively they still visit Poppy’s, either as guests or performers.

Dillian Oliphant has no fear as he adds a comical side to most topics the public finds a bit sensitive. Oliphant is one of the comedians that often performs at Poppy’s comedy night.

The fact that new and seasoned comedians share this space means there is a lot of support and love among them, expressed Kelly.

He said there is a shared belief that in order to grow as performers, they need to assist one another. The environment allows for them to critique, congratulate and communicate with one another.

Kelly went on to share his appreciation of the crowds they have entertained.

“Our audience is great, they are a very diverse group. There is a mixture of students, professionals, senior citizens and everything in between.”

He added that it also helps that the shows are free as it motivates people to come liven up their Mondays with laughter.

Stand-up comedian, singer, musician and TV personality, Tats Nkonzo, takes the opportunity to get some laughs about his failed love attempts.

Gavin Kelly, co-organiser of Monday Night Comedy, is also a laugh. He and his partner started their weekly shows to give comedians a stage to try their newest gags.

It’s all smiles as Monday Comedy Night kicks off in Melville.

Now in its fourth year of Monday comedy shows, Kelly admitted it took a while to grow but looking at where it is currently, they are happy with the progress.

“Ensuring that you create a pleasant atmosphere for the performers and the crowd is the trick – you want funny comedians but you also want people to come and try their shot at the art.”

Kelly said new comedians interested in getting on stage are advised to attend a show first and then speak to him or his partners.

The show is on every Monday evening between 8pm and 10pm.