There’s been some big build up to this festival — three heats of an amateur comedy competition and growing swathes of publicity — but after a long wait and lots of organising, the second annual Magners International Comedy Festival will finally get lift-off in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Four shows will run over five days in late March with some big, big names being flown in by Magners Irish Cider. Here’s the breakdown.
Monday March 20
La Fenetre Soleil, HCMC - 44 Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Ho Chi Minh City
Entrance VND200,000
The all-Vietnam finals of the amateur comedy competition, the Big V, hosted by Lars Calleiou (CAN) and Matthew Giffen (UK).
Tuesday, March 21
Game On Saigon, HCMC - 115 Ho Tung Mau, Q1, Ho Chi Minh City
Entrance VND250,000 (VND200,000 before Friday, March 19)
The Pro Night featuring Dana Alexander (CAN), Andre King (NZ) and John Robertson (AUS)
Wednesday, March 22
Caravelle Hotel, HCMC - 19 Cong Truong Lam Son, Q1, Ho Chi Minh City
Entrance VND400,000 (VND300,000 in advance)
The Grand Gala featuring Dana Alexander (CAN), John Robertson (AUS), Andre King (NZ), Matthew Giffen (UK) and Lars Callieou (CAN)
Thursday, March 23
Standing Bar, Hanoi - 170 Tran Vu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Entrance VND250,000 (VND200,000 before Monday, March 21)
The Festival in Hanoi featuring Andre King (NZ), Lars Callieou (CAN) and Jim Brewsky (US)
Prepare for a feast of tummy tickling, side-splitting laughter. You may even shed a tear or two.
[TICKETING & INFORMATION]
Monday, March 20
The Big V Comedy Competition
For information and table reservations for the Big V all-Vietnam finals, click on facebook.com/dandbshows or email diana.a.bailey@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 21
The Pro Night
Tickets available at Game On Saigon or online at magnersfestivalgameon.eventbrite.com. For information click on facebook.com/saigoninternationalcomedy
Wednesday, March 22
The Grand Gala
Tickets available at the Business Centre, 2nd Floor, Caravelle Saigon or online at magnersfestivalcaravelle.eventbrite.com. For information click on facebook.com/saigoninternationalcomedy
Thursday, March 23
The Festival in Hanoi
Tickets are available at Standing Bar or online via facebook.com/hanoicomedy
The festival website with information on all the shows can be found at comedyfest.com.sg. For more information on the festival in Vietnam, please email nick@saigoninternationalcomedy.com