FT
Saturday Nov 02, 2024
Saturday, 2 November 2024 04:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Colombo Comedy Show, presented by the Colombo Taprobane Round Table 03 (CTRT 3), is back again, bigger and better than ever. Featuring five international comedians, the Colombo Comedy Show is set to have audiences in fits of laughter on the 26 November, at the Monarch Imperial – Sri Jayewardenepura. Proceeds from the show will be in aid of the Kids Off Street (KOS) Charity Project. Having had sold out shows in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023, this is the 9th edition of the Colombo Comedy Show. Over 700 spectators are expected to attend this year’s show, representing a diverse cross-section of Sri Lankan society.
CTRT3 President gave his remarks “Each year, the Colombo Comedy Show brings together laughter, unity, and purpose, and we’re thrilled to return with a line-up of top-tier comedians. Beyond the laughter, this event helps us support causes like Kids Off Street, which make a lasting difference in our communities. It’s not just about comedy; it’s about bringing hope and support where it’s needed most,” said CTRT3 President Adnaan Iqbal. The line-up of international comedians ready to tickle Colombo include Elena Gabrielle, Papa CJ, Qamarul Haziq, Brian Aylward, and Umar Rana.
Elena Gabrielle from Australia has captured hearts worldwide with her satirical take on modern relationships and her musicality. With over 40 million views on YouTube and sold-out tours, including “DIRRTY” and her latest show “OK!?” Elena blends her impressive vocal range—from opera to rap—into her comedy. She has performed over 700 shows in 65 countries.
Papa CJ is a world-renowned stand-up comedian and executive coach from India. With an MBA from Oxford and extensive experience in over 25 countries, his comedy reflects a rich tapestry of cultural insights. Recognised as Asia and India’s Best Stand-Up Comedian, he has performed at iconic venues like Broadway and the Sydney Opera House.
Singaporean Qamarul Haziq, brings a fresh perspective with his humorous takes on everyday life and his experiences during National Service. Since starting his comedy career in 2015, he has quickly become a prominent figure in the local scene, performing at various venues, including The Lemon Stand Comedy Club and making appearances on Comedy Central Asia.
Brian Aylward, a veteran comedian from Canada, has 17 years of experience, performing 3,000+ shows across 32 countries. A former Canadian Comedy Award winner, he is known for his engaging social media presence and his role in founding Stand Up Seoul, through which he has earned acclaim as one of Asia’s most influential stand-up comedians.
Umar Rana is the founder of Comedy Masala Singapore, and has been making audiences laugh since 2001. With a background in both improv and stand-up, he has performed in numerous countries, sharing the stage with renowned acts like Bill Burr and Rob Schneider. His rich experience and engaging style make him a standout performer, easily drawing laughs and attention.
Over the years, proceeds from the Colombo Comedy Show have supported numerous socially impactful projects. In 2023 alone, these included the Wheels Project, where hard rubber tires valued at Rs. 565,000 were donated to the Cerebral Palsy Centre in Colombo for the restoration of wheelchairs; a Wheels Project Training Workshop at the Moratuwa and Rajagiriya centres, empowering selected Cerebral Palsy children with hands-on technical training to service their own wheelchairs; the Books Project, which provided essential new curriculum books worth Rs. 224,000 to Aathavan Vidyalaya in Loolkandura, a remote school catering to 120 children in Grades 1-5 lacking resources; and the donation of essential green and brown screens to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, for patients/deceased person privacy, along with a new reception desk to improve patient guidance by dedicated nurses.
Do not miss the Colombo Comedy Show on 26 November at Monarch Imperial – call 0777259957 or visit http://ctrt3.myshopbox.lk/ for more information and to purchase tickets.