Netflix Star, Robby Collins To Headline April Laughter Factory

(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) If your social calendar needs upgrading, consider this your official excuse.

The Laughter Factory is back this April with a heavyweight bill, led by South African comedy superstar Robby Collins. Fresh from winning multiple Comics Choice Awards – including Comedian of the Year – Collins arrives in the UAE armed with the razor-sharp storytelling and laid-back swagger that have made him one of Africa's most in-demand comics. His Netflix special, Only Jokes Allowed, introduced global audiences to his fearless, observational style, while tours alongside Dave Chappelle and Trevor Noah cemented his status as a world-class act.

Expect big laughs, big personality and zero filter.

Joining him is the fresh, fearless, and funny Valentina Danubio, turning everyday chaos into comedy gold. From motherhood and post-baby body battles to the quirks of Dubai life and job hunting, she mines her real-world experiences with razor-sharp wit-and a side of music.

Also making his Laughter Factory debut will be Northern English funnyman John Hague, bringing grounded, relatable chaos and high-energy punchlines that hit close to home.

Rounding out the bill is poet and storyteller Viswajit Dilip, weaving humor into his words to create engaging narratives.

As always, The Laughter Factory delivers more than just stand-up. Stick around after the final encore for the club's signature after-party vibe, where comics and crowd mingle and the laughs continue long after the curtain call.

With six shows across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this is your chance to catch world-class, international comedy in an intimate setting.

When & Where. Friday 10th April – Radisson DAMAC Hills, Dubai – 8:30PM. Saturday 11th April – Studio One Hotel, Dubai – 8:30PM. Sunday 12th April – The Club, Abu Dhabi – 7PM. Thursday 16th April – Mezz, The Agenda, Dubai Media City – 7PM. Friday 17th April – Radisson DAMAC Hills, Dubai – 8:30PM. Saturday 18th April – Dukes, The Palm – 8:30PM Over 21s only.

Meet the comics

Robby Collins

Considered one of the most prominent faces of the new generation of South African comedy, Robby Collins' rise from actor on the Durban theatre circuit to fully fledged stand-up comic has career achievements that belie his years on the comedy circuit. A comedian whose material draws on real life, is at ease on the stage, and has a convincing stage presence, endearing himself to an audience with his gawky giraffe-like frame. Robby has played to the biggest comedy audiences in South Africa with appearances including 'The Heavy Weight Comedy Jam', 'Blacks Only', 'Kings', 'Queens of Comedy' and 'Comedy Central Live at Parkers'.

Further proof of his talent lies in his personal selection by the world's top comics as their opening act – Dave Chappelle, Trevor Noah, and Marc Lottering. His tour with Trevor Noah was extensive and constituted over 50 shows all over Southern Africa. He formed a prominent part of The Nationwide comedy show that was the biggest-selling comedy ensemble DVD in South African history. In 2013, he debuted his very own one-man show 'That Bushman is Crazy'. His debut show earned a much-coveted 'Ovation' award at The National Arts Festival. And in 2015, Robby hosted a show at Africa's biggest comedy festival, The Comedy Central International Comedy Festival. In 2016, Robby was selected to be part of the Comedy Central Africa delegation to perform at the Just For Laughs Festival, the biggest stand-up comedy festival internationally. In 2017, he was invited back to the festival to perform at the Kevin Hart-produced show 'Laugh Out Loud'. In 2018, Robby was asked to perform at the Sydney and Perth Comedy Festivals – and in the same year – he was personally selected to be the opening act for one of his biggest comedy idols, Dave Chappelle, on the South African leg of his world tour. Robby also toured his new show 'Growing Pains' around the country to sold out audiences across South Africa. 'Growing Pains' was recorded and is now airing on DStv. In 2019, Collins filmed his second special 'lyeza'. And in 2021 debuted his new show 'Ready to Live'. In 2022, Robby released his special on Netflix, Only Jokes Allowed. In 2024, he started touring his new show, 'Come As You Are' around South Africa and east Africa. The show ended up winning Best Solo Show at the Savanna Comics Choice Awards in 2025. Robby's talents are not reserved for the stage, having been involved on the small screen in his capacity as an actor, with starring roles in Rhythm City and the critically and commercially acclaimed Rockville. Additionally, he worked as a writer and performer on The Bantu Hour, a sketch comedy show on South Africa's biggest TV Channel. Other writing credits include Ekasi stories and an International Emmy nomination for writing on Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola. Robby's growing fame has meant he has been chosen to be the face of continent-wide advertising campaigns for some of the biggest brands in the world.

Acting credits:
2010 – Scandal, eTV (1 season) – As himself
2011 – Laugh Out Loud, Mzansi Magic (2 seasons) – As himself
2012/2015 – LNN, eTV (Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola) – Multiple characters
2014/2015 – Rhythm City, eTV (2 seasons) – Rocky
2016 – Rockville, Mzansi Magic (Continuing role) – Coco
2016/2017 – The Bantu Hour, SABC 1 (Continuing role) – Multiple Characters
2020 – Celebrity Game Night
2023 – Amazon Prime, Last One Laughing

Advertising roles
2012 – Yellowpages National TV campaign
2013 – Africawide DSTV TV/online campaign
2014 – Lays TV/onIine campaign
2016 – Energizer online campaign
2016 – South African Tourism 'come home bru campaign'
2017 – Nedbank online campaign 'The M Word'
2018 – Wimpy 2020 – Netflix

Writing credits
2011 – Laugh Out Loud
2013 – Ekasi Stories 2016/2017 – The Bantu Hour
2012/2015 – Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola

Awards
2023 – Comics Choice Awards, Comedian of the Year
2024 – Comics Choice Awards, Headliner of the Year
2025 – Comics Choice Awards, Headliner of the Year, Best Solo Show Valentina Fresh, fearless, and funny, Valentina Danubio is turning everyday chaos into comedy gold. From motherhood and post-baby body battles to the quirks of Dubai life and job hunting, she mines her real-world experiences with razor-sharp wit-and a side of music.

A 2023 comedy rookie turned Flamingo Live Survival of the Funniest winner, Valentina delivers relatable, high-energy sets with her signature Italian flair that keep audiences laughing long after the spotlight fades. John Hague A Northern Englishman with a sharp wit and an eye for the absurd, John Hague brings the relatable chaos of life to the stage.

With performances across the UK and UAE, their comedy resonates with audiences everywhere, blending grounded humor with unexpected twists that keep the laughs rolling. Whether sharing tales of everyday mishaps or shining a light on the hilarity in the mundane, John delivers a show that's as heartfelt as it is hilarious. Viswajit Dilip Viswajit Dilip is a stand-up comedian with a background as a former Chief Officer in the Merchant Navy, now working in shipping operations in Dubai. His comedy is inspired by his life at sea, personal experiences, and the quirks of living in Dubai. Between all this, he is also a poet and storyteller, weaving humor into his words to create engaging narratives. Beyond the stage, Viswajit dedicates his time as a volunteer teacher for NGOs in India, using comedy to make learning fun and impactful. With his unique blend of real-life adventures and sharp wit, he brings laughter and insight to every performance. The Laughter Factory Founded in 1996, The Laughter Factory is the UAE's longest-running and most awarded comedy club. Hosting three top-tier international comedians every month, the club has introduced thousands across the region to names including Russell Peters, Michael McIntyre, Dara Ó Briain, Mickey Flanagan, Jason Manford, Sarah Millican, Kevin Bridges, Frankie Boyle and more.

A multi-time winner of Time Out Dubai's“Best Comedy Night”, The Laughter Factory remains the region's most trusted name in stand-up.

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