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South African comedy favourite Kurt Schoonraad is heading back to Johannesburg this September, following recent performances in Cape Town and Gqeberha.
The veteran comedian will bring his latest one-man show, Funny Side Up, to The Capital Empire in Sandton for one night only on Friday, 11 September 2026.
For Nelson Mandela Bay audiences who recently had the chance to catch Schoonraad live, the Johannesburg date marks the next stop for a show built around something most South Africans could probably use a little more of: finding the funny side of everyday life.
Finding the funny in everyday South African life
Family, relationships, getting older, social habits and the general chaos of everyday life all provide material for Funny Side Up.
Schoonraad has spent decades turning familiar experiences into comedy, with an observational style rooted firmly in South African life.
“Funny Side Up is really about holding onto your sense of humour no matter what life throws at you,” says Schoonraad.
“Sometimes you just need to forget your problems for a while, have a laugh and enjoy yourself.”
While longtime fans can expect the energy and storytelling Schoonraad has become known for, the show also includes fresh material and new observations drawn from everyday experiences.
Decades of making South Africans laugh
Born in District Six and raised in Mitchells Plain, Schoonraad has built a career spanning stand-up comedy, television, film and theatre.
His distinctly South African perspective has remained central to his comedy throughout his career.
He has shared stages with international comedy names including John Cleese, Russell Peters and Pauly Shore.
Schoonraad is also closely associated with Cape Town’s comedy scene, having founded the Cape Town Comedy Club in 1997. The venue later gained international recognition.
Decades into his career, however, live comedy remains at the heart of what he does.
Funny Side Up heads to Sandton
The Johannesburg performance follows Schoonraad’s recent shows in Cape Town and Gqeberha and offers Gauteng audiences their opportunity to see Funny Side Up live.
Whether you’ve followed his comedy for years or have yet to see him on stage, the one-night-only Sandton performance promises an evening of relatable South African observations, storytelling and plenty of laughs.
Show details
Show: Kurt Schoonraad – Funny Side Up
Date: Friday, 11 September 2026
Venue: The Capital Empire
Address: 177 Empire Place, Sandhurst, Sandton
Tickets: From R180 per person
Bookings: Available through Quicket
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