Frivolous as it may sound, the festival showcases some of the country's top proponents of humour and serves a more important purpose than just making people laugh - it's a good gauge of how, and what, the population is thinking.
South African comedians are good social commentators, painting pictures with words and using their innate funny bones to add humour to the situation, candy-coating messages and making them palatable to the audience. A message delivered with humour is more easily retained and often shared over and over. You need only think of Trevor Noah and Marc Lottering, examine their styles to appreciate their craft.
Using humour in the message was how comics of old plied their trade. You don't have to go to the court jester to explain the art form, but examine the recent South African situation of pre-1994 to appreciate the craft and acumen of Pieter-Dirk Uys, David Kramer, Taliep Petersen and Mel Miller. All used comedy to deliver difficult messages in dangerous times.
The attributes that comedic social commentators require to succeed include an ability to be sharp, curious, have a way with words, see the world through funny lenses and, in addition to that, possess another set of skills that include the ability to perform in a packed auditorium.
Added to this, anyone who puts themselves on a public stage needs the courage of a lion and the hide of an elephant. This is not an industry for the faint-hearted or sensitive.
The old adage of laughter being the best medicine has its basis in science. It's a fact that laughter creates a chemical reaction in the body, activating the pituitary gland to create endorphins, releasing a morphine-like chemical into the bloodstream, reducing pain and triggering positive feelings.
Recent research shows levels of endorphins produced are higher when laughter is experienced in groups. This gives credence to the theatre experience, rather than enjoying comedy alone on television, on the internet or radio.
The unique attribute of the Cape Town Funny Festival is that it showcases a cast of top-class, local stand-up comedians and internationally acclaimed, comedy variety performers. It is best described as a gala showcase, where local stand-up comics meet five-star international variety performers.
The variety acts allow the audience to relax before being required to concentrate, once again, as a stand-up bombards their senses. The energy of the show, which differs from performance to performance, is determined by the audience. This is what makes live performance so exciting.
The Funny Festival showcases three outstanding variety international acts from around the world. They include Freddie Mercury look-alike and alter-ego Mario: Queen of the Circus; the world's leading comedy contortionist, Captain Frodo; and London's top leading comic magician, Paul Dabek.
Painting the South African scenario are Marc Lottering, Mel Jones, Dalin Oliver, Daniel Mpilo Richards, Loyiso Madinga and Ndumiso Lindi.
Johannesburg comics Loyiso Madinga and Ndumiso Lindi have both been performing on African stages of late.
Both are regulars in Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania and bring an insight to the African experience, especially on how the continent views the South African scenario.
Emcee Alan Committie has the difficult task of holding the show together, harnessing the energy and preparing the audience for each act. The confidence and rapport that Alan creates with the audience night after night, lays the foundation for the success of the performance.
Present the above in a world-class theatre, with a great set, lighting and sound, and you have the recipe for a great night out, showcasing the best comedy the country has to offer. It might initially seem frivolous, but analyse the message and start thinking.
* The Cape Town Funny Festival runs at the Baxter Theatre from July 10 through to August 6. Tickets cost R190 each and generous discounts are offered on bulk bookings of over ten. Bookings can be made through Computicket.