The Covid-19 pandemic is no joke, and has just claimed another “victim”.
The iconic annual Jive Cape Town Funny Festival has been cancelled due to the virus.
The show was going to be held from 15 June - 12 July, but has now been postponed to next year.
Eddy Cassar of the JCTFF says: “It would have been irresponsible for us to continue, especially with the great support we get from our loyal audience and partners.
“The Baxter Theatre, our home since inception in 1997, has given us the prime dates of 31 May to 27 June 2021.”
Eddy says planning and production takes place months in advance and it was heartsore to have to cancel.
“The support from everyone, artists, local comics, city authorities, sponsors and partners has been wonderful,” he says.
“Many patrons and charities who book in groups have transferred their bookings to next year.
“This afternoon we received final confirmation that all three internationals can make the dates next year.”
They include Cabaret Decadence from Montreal, who are regarded as one of the best puppeteers on the planet.
He says the Funny Festival takes an entire year to organise.
“If you don’t start selling tickets six months beforehand, you will not sell out. We have been very fortunate that we have been sold out since 2014!!
“It has become Cape Town’s winter comedic tonic.”
He says Webtickets is prepared to either refund ticket holders in full or transfer tickets to the 2021 Funny Festival, for which booking is already open.