For many people, cheerfulness is directly proprotional to sunshine and winter means hibernation with a blanket, bad mood and chocolate.

But while the sun goes on vacay, you don’t have to be miserable. South Africa is pratically bursting with excellent comedy shows to cheer you up. All you need to do is put down the chocolate, take off the slippers and venture out to find one.

And we’ve even made it super easy for you thanks to our list of comedy shows and clubs that should not be missed. Now, put down the chocolate…

Cape Town:

Albert Hall, Woodstock is home to the “Jou Ma Se” Comedy Club. Kurt Schoonraad acts as MC and introduces both well-known and new comedians every Thursday. Expect some raunchy humour, purely South African lingo and an excellent night out. You could even be surprised by a celeb comedian or two popping in…

• Theatre on the Bay is once again hosting South Africa’s favourite comedian, Alan Committee. BIGGER! BETTER!! FASTER!!! is Alan’s 11th one man show and is running until the 1st of August.

• The Baxter Theatre is once again playing host to the Cape Town Comedy Festival, now sponsored by Nandos. Known as one of the top 5 comedy shows in the world, you can expect international and local acts that will have you rolling out of your seat.

• Kalk Bay Theatre offers a fabulous night out where you can laugh at other people’s expense. Improvision performs unscripted theatre in the form of theatre sports every Tuesday night. You can expect hysterical laughter, ridiculous situations… and to get involved yourself!

Johannesburg:

• Montecasino’s main theatre is going to filled with laughter from the 5th of August. If you missed Alan Committee in Cape Town, have no fear, he is bringing the legendary Defending the Caveman show to Jozi!

• Cool Runnings in Melville is a staple on the Jo’burg comedy circuit with Sunday being the regular comedy night. Don’t be surprised if you see an up and coming comedian just before they hit it big.

Call 011 482 4786 for more info.

• Carnival City offers daily doses of laughter for your comedy blues. Wednesdays see naughty hypnotist Alain D Woolf take the stage while Fridays and Saturdays showcase a variety of talent from Joe Parker to Chris Forrest.

Durban:

The Playhouse Opera Theatre presents the Queens of Comedy - television personalities Krijay Govender, Leeanda Reddy and Kaseran Pillay. Sharp-witted stand up comedic routines are inter-mixed with hilarious sketches on everything from marriage to funerals – offering you a new perspective on life.

• The Comedy Express in the Krakatoa Bar at Sibaya Casino hosts local comedians every Friday night. You night out of laughter can also include a little gambling at the casino – just don’t spend all your winter chocolate money all at once.

Call 031 580 5000  to book.

Bloemfontein:

• Bloemfontein City Hall is showcasing Max Kaan the hypnotist – for one night only. You may remember him from his SABC TV show Nowhereland with Max Kaan and now you can see him live on the 5th of August 2009.

Pretoria:

• SA State Theatre is showcasing the antics of some of South Africa’s heavyweights in the comedy world. TV personalities from Phat Joe join the cast of the film Bunny Chow to cheer you up and will soon have you feeling much better about winter.

Port Elizabeth:

• The Port Elizabeth Opera House is featuring a hysterical show brough to you by celebrated comedian Casper de Vries. For 4 nights only in September, Broedersancestors will explore our past and heritage in a way that only South Africans will understand – and will have you laughing along the way.

Source: gotravel24.com