South African comedy favourite Kurt Schoonraad is heading back on the road this June with his acclaimed one-man show, Funny Side Up, following a successful season at the Baxter Theatre last year.
The veteran comedian will perform at Café Roux in Noordhoek on 12 June before returning to one of his favourite stages, the Baxter Theatre, for a run from 22 to 27 June.
Packed with fresh material, relatable stories and Schoonraad’s signature observational humour, the show promises an evening of laughter that finds comedy in the everyday experiences South Africans know all too well.
Finding humour in everyday life
From navigating relationships and social habits to the quirks of ageing and modern life, Funny Side Up takes familiar moments and turns them into stories audiences can instantly recognise.
“Funny Side Up is really about holding onto your sense of humour no matter what life throws at you,” says Schoonraad.
“People have been through a lot over the last few years, and sometimes laughter is the one thing that helps us breathe again. That’s what this show is about, forgetting your problems for a while and just enjoying yourself.”
Known for his ability to uncover humour in ordinary situations, Schoonraad believes some of the best comedy comes from real life.
“We all sit in traffic, go shopping, argue with family members or overhear weird conversations somewhere,” he says.
“I just take those moments, exaggerate them a little and hopefully make people see themselves in it.”
A special return to the Baxter
For Schoonraad, returning to the Baxter Theatre carries special significance.
More than two decades ago, it was the venue where he staged his debut one-man show, Punchlines, helping cement his place as one of South Africa’s leading stand-up comedians.
“The Baxter has always felt like home,” he says.
“A lot of memories were made on that stage, and coming back with Funny Side Up again feels like a full-circle moment.”
Audiences can expect a show that combines fresh material with the energetic, unpredictable style that has made Schoonraad a household name.
“There’s definitely a more mature perspective now,” he says.
“But I still enjoy being ridiculous when the moment calls for it.”
One of South Africa’s comedy pioneers
Over the course of his career, Schoonraad has established himself as one of South Africa’s most respected comedians, sharing stages with international comedy stars including John Cleese, Russell Peters and Pauly Shore.
Beyond performing, he has also played a major role in developing the local comedy industry through the Cape Town Comedy Club, which he founded in 1997.
Born in District Six and raised in Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town remains central to Schoonraad’s identity and comedic voice.
His local references, relatable observations and uniquely South African perspective have helped him connect with audiences across generations.
“People want to feel good again,” he says.
“Comedy has always brought people together, especially in South Africa. We laugh differently here. There’s something uniquely South African about finding humour in difficult situations.”
Show details
Funny Side Up – On The Road
Venue: Café Roux, Noordhoek
Date: 12 June 2026
Tickets: From R200
Book here: https://www.caferoux.co.za/events/kurt-schoonraad-funny-side-up/
Funny Side Up – Baxter Theatre
Venue: Baxter Theatre, Cape Town
Dates: 22–27 June 2026
Tickets: R180 to R220
Book here: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1593281953
A night to switch off and laugh
Whether you’re a long-time fan or seeing him live for the first time, Funny Side Up offers exactly what many South Africans need right now: a chance to forget about deadlines, daily stress and the pressures of everyday life for a couple of hours and simply enjoy a good laugh.
With fresh material, familiar stories and the effortless storytelling that has made him one of South Africa’s most beloved comedians, Kurt Schoonraad’s latest tour promises an evening of comedy that feels both personal and proudly local. :::
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Excerpt: South African comedy favourite Kurt Schoonraad returns to the stage this June with Funny Side Up, bringing fresh material, relatable stories and plenty of laughs to audiences at Café Roux and the Baxter Theatre.
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