The proliferation of stand-up spots in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the last 18 months or so says two things: one, we’re obviously in serious need of a laugh and, two, there is actually a healthy supply of comedic talent on offer in this country.
The first ever Dubai Comedy Festival kicks off this week, with shows spread out across the city over ten days at Meyana Theatre in Jumeirah Beach Hotel (note: the venue has recently been changed from the original location at Skydive Dubai drop zone). But there’s also another side to it all. Comedy, as the cliché would have it, is now serious business in the UAE. It’s an industry that has taken root here and with some of the best performers in the world on display, it ought to help kick-start a few more careers in stand-up.
If you’re in need of light relief, or fancy learning from the masters of the art, there is a whole raft of material waiting to be discovered. Here’s what you need to know about the headliners, Trevor Noah and Dave Chappelle.
Trevor Noah
It’s a stretch to say that South Africa’s Trevor Noah is the most famous comedian in the world right now. But he’s definitely host of the most famous and widely watched comedy programme. The Daily Show has become the window through which anyone outside the US can watch its politics safe in the knowledge locals also accept its insanity.
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It is a huge gig for the man who calls himself “multi-ethnic”. Jon Stewart was a cultural icon for at least two generations, and anyone assuming the mantle was going to face incredible scrutiny. But he eased himself into the role with aplomb. “A job that Americans have rejected is once again being done by an immigrant,” he said on his opening night. “And let me tell you, I’m as surprised as anyone.”
Perhaps his best early material was skewering presidential hopeful Donald Trump, comparing him with a host of unsavoury African tyrants. And that’s the sweet spot he’ll be aiming for in Dubai. The half-Swiss, half-Xhosa African got The Daily Show job in the first place playing the (devastatingly witty) innocent abroad and on his own, that’s where he’s best.
When: October 24, 7pm
Where: Meyana Theatre, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Dave Chappelle
There probably isn’t a comedian working today who wouldn’t put Dave Chappelle in their top two or three stand-ups of all time. Hannibal Burress (look left) made a point of saying he watches him every opportunity he can. Back in 2003, Kevin Hart paid him the ultimate compliment. “Chris Rock and myself were at a comedy club and we were watching Dave Chappelle,” he said. “We turned to each other and questioned at the same time, ‘Why aren’t we that funny?’ Dave Chappelle is
a different animal. His comedic talent and timing are like no other.”
The DC-born comic shot to prominence with the 2000 HBO special Killing Them Softly. It charted the vagaries of police treatment between him and his white friend, the apocryphal Chip, and, looking at the political landscape today, his comedy is still relevant and still very much needed.
He has just concluded a US tour, the finale of which was a three-night, six-show stand in New York City. In more ways than one, there’s no better time to pay homage to the king.
When: October 22 & 23, 8pm
Where: Meyana Theatre, Jumeirah Beach Hotel