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.”
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.
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.
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.