Old Mutual Backs South African Comedy

March 23 - Old Mutual insurance group has proven once again that is social outreach policy produces wonderful things.

The group's dedication to local art and talent has led to the creation of the Old Mutual Comedy Encounters as a means to encourage and support South African comedy.

This year's Comedy Encounters promises to be bigger and better than last year, and already has a top line up of performers.

The festival will run from March 25 to April 1st, 2010 over eight consecutive nights at Cape Town's Baxter Theatre.

Some of the top local names in comedy will perform, including Trevor Noah, Brendan Murray, Brett Palmer, Eugene Khosa and Zinzi Mangweni.

The show will hosted by John Vlismas, and will also feature the top UK comedy act, Men in Coats.

Men in Coats is described as a "highly visual show with no talking and was created by Michael Dow. It's unique appeal leapt onto the British Stand Up circuit in 1999 by winning Hackney Empire's New Act of the Year and an almost unheard of sell out in their first Edinburgh run."

The award winning John Vlismas, who will host the show, is considered one of South Africa's most intellectual, creative and original comics on an international scale.

Old Mutual's Comedy Encounters will be presented by Heart 104.9fm and has been built on the success of past events.

As such, this year has seen the show literally double in size in terms of performers and dates.

Last year's festival saw a full house in attendance on all dates, and organizers expect results this year to be same.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or through Computicket at a price of R100 each.