There are comedy shows that leave you laughing, and then there are events that remind you just how powerful laughter can be when it is combined with a meaningful cause. You Must Be Kidding Me??, the annual comedy event brought to us by RADA in support of the RADA MiPad Project, delivered exactly that at the Teatro Montecasino. I attended the Friday show, and as someone who loves connecting with the personalities behind the entertainment industry, I arrived early to catch the comedians during their sound check. This gave me the perfect opportunity to reconnect with some familiar faces, conduct interviews, and get a glimpse of the personalities behind the punchlines before they stepped onto the stage.
RADA: Making a Difference Beyond the Laughter
RADA is an organisation dedicated to creating positive change in communities, with a focus on raising awareness around mental health, emotional well-being, and the importance of treating one another with compassion and respect. The RADA MiPad Project forms part of this broader mission, focusing on providing menstrual hygiene products to girls and women who face challenges accessing these essential items. Menstrual poverty can affect dignity, confidence, education, and the ability to participate fully in everyday life. By providing access to sanitary products, the project aims to help remove one of the barriers that can prevent girls from attending school and women from going about their daily lives with confidence. Events such as You Must Be Kidding Me?? offer an opportunity to bring people together through entertainment while supporting a cause that has a tangible impact on people’s lives. It is a wonderful reminder that a night out can be about much more than simply enjoying a great show. It can also contribute to something meaningful.
Behind the Scenes with South Africa’s Comedy Greats
Getting to the Teatro Montecasino early for sound check was a highlight in itself. I had the opportunity to reconnect with and interview Mark Banks, Dave Levinsohn (in the picture), Bongani Dube, Ndumiso Lindi, Kurt Schoonraad and Alan Committie. One of the funniest things about spending time with comedians is discovering that the humour doesn’t switch off when they leave the stage. You might expect them to save their best material for the audience, but when you are hanging out with them behind the scenes, they are just as funny as they are under the spotlight! The banter, quick wit and spontaneous humour make interviewing comedians such a pleasure. Sometimes, the conversations away from the microphone are just as entertaining as the performances themselves. It was lovely catching up with these talented entertainers and getting a taste of the laughter that was still to come.
A Line-Up That Delivered the Laughs
Dave Levinsohn and Mark Banks took on hosting duties, seamlessly guiding the audience through an incredible line-up of comedy talent. With their combined experience, timing, and natural chemistry, they ensured that the evening flowed effortlessly from one performance to the next. The line-up also featured David Kau, Celeste Ntuli, and the RADA Blues, adding even more variety and entertainment to an already impressive evening. From sharp observations and clever punchlines to relatable stories and larger-than-life personalities, the performers brought their individual styles to the stage. Each act contributed to the energy of the evening, keeping the audience entertained and reminding us why South Africa has such a vibrant comedy scene. Having Mark and Dave as hosts was a bonus. Their ability to keep the show moving while injecting humour into the proceedings made them the perfect duo to lead the audience through the evening.
Comedy That Gives Back
What makes You Must Be Kidding Me?? particularly special is the purpose behind it. While the comedians bring the laughter, the event also helps shine a spotlight on the RADA MiPad Project and the importance of menstrual dignity. It is always encouraging to see entertainers use their talents to support initiatives that make a difference. Comedy has the ability to bring people together, break down barriers and create shared experiences. When that collective energy is channelled towards a worthy cause, the result becomes even more meaningful. The RADA MiPad Project addresses a practical need that can have a lasting effect on people’s lives, and supporting initiatives like this helps keep important conversations and community needs in the spotlight.
Another Memorable Night with Celeb Savant
My Friday evening at Teatro Montecasino was a wonderful combination of reconnecting with familiar faces, discovering the personalities behind the comedy, and enjoying a show filled with laughter and purpose. A special thank you to Tracey Pitout, General Manager at RADA, and her incredible team for their warm hospitality and for putting together such a fantastic event. It is always wonderful to see the hard work and passion that go into creating an evening that not only entertains but also supports a meaningful cause. Thank you for welcoming me behind the scenes, making time for the interviews, and ensuring that You Must Be Kidding Me?? was such a memorable experience. Your dedication to the RADA MiPad Project and the difference it makes in people’s lives deserves to be celebrated! You Must Be Kidding Me??. proves that laughter is even more rewarding when it gives back. It was a pleasure to be there, catch up with some of South Africa’s finest comedy talent, and support an event that uses entertainment to make a difference.