BIO
What does a Speedo wearing Nutella freak who once did too much meth do when he turns 36?
He gets over his shit, writes a book about it and after a few years, calls his therapist.
Costa: Can I stand up on a stage and laugh at my life?
Therapist: Well, we got the meds right, didn’t we?
Costa defines late blooming with his very first time on stage was at the age of 44 at the New York Gotham Comedy Club where he trained under Stephen Rosenfeld of the American Comedy Institute. Since then he has performed all over South Africa including the Hilton and Redhill Arts Festival in 2022 /23, Dubai and Kulala Lumpur
Desperate for attention he wrote his own one man show “Desperately Seeking Souvlaki” that has played in South Africa, Greece and Cyprus with two shows in the USA
Now a 2024 Comics Choice award winner, Costa can be found shining his statue award while preparing for his next show and overseas tour.
CURRENT SHOW
Melrose Arch; Fire and Ice Hotel
23 & 24 May 19h30
25 May 16h00
Following the international success of his first show, Costa Carastavrakis presents his ALL NEW stand up comedy show: Costa’s Corner Kefi
Get ready for a night of laughs where Costa takes you on a trip to the corner cafe where Greek South African life became a part of everyone’s life.
His personal style of comedy is endearing yet cheeky. No-one is safe, so hold on to your evil eye as he explores what it’s like to be Costa in this wonderful crazy South African city of ours: Joburg!
Pull in bru and brunette! Not suited to under 16’s and anyone who can’t laugh at themselves.
What is Kefi you ask?
Kefi (Greek) Noun- Defn: Get off your ass and be the life and soul of the party / the corner shop open lank late and stocked everything except the right amount of change #Chappies
Written and Performed by Costa Carastavrakis
Directed by Renos Spanoudes
About the performer
Winner of the 2024 SA Comics Choice Award for Uplifting Comedic Content, Costa Carastavrakis is one of South Africa’s brightest new comedic talents. His first show, Desperately Seeking Souvlaki played in 10 cities in 6 countries around the world with rave reviews and many sell out shows. Last year he also had the privilege to perform at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles and the Gotham Comedy Club in New York as well as the Comedy Mothership in Austin.
When he is not sharpening his writing craft he can be seen enjoying too much coffee while waiting for the press or anyone to recognise him.
PREVIOUS SHOW
A South African Greek stand-up comedy feast. A 70 min show that takes the audience on a journey on what it’s like to be Costa in this world. From hilarious gags about his upbringing to his dating escapades, Costa gets vulnerable showing not only the flaws in himself but in his community and South Africa. Such honesty, sharp wit and cheekiness mean no one is safe and many parallels can be drawn between all communities in SA and this Greek condition that Costa highlights.
SNEAK PEEK
Reviews
Media
Show SCHEDULE
23-25 MAY 2025: Johannesburg, South Africa
Melrose Arch; Fire and Ice Hotel
Did you miss out?
13 MARCH 2025: HARARE
21 FEBRUARY 2025: SYDNEY, Australia
The Factory Theatre
15 FEBRUARY 2025: Melbourne, Australia
Greek Theatre
02 FEBRUARY 2025: PRETORIA
Protea Fire & Ice Menlyn
01 JANUARY 2025: Austin TEXAS, USA
Fallout Theatre
31 AUGUST 2024: BLOEMFONTEIN
Greek Community Hall
26 July 2024: LEMNOS, GREECE
Kondias Community
12 April 2024: Austin USA
Flamencura Studio
17 March 2024: Villa Simonne
Johannesburg
10 March 2024: Limassol, Cyprus
Sto Dromo Bar, Limassol
8 March 2024: Nicosia
Gallery @ Skali Aglatzias, Nicosia
7 SEPTEMBER 2023: Athens, Greece
Solonos 9
28-30 JULY 2023: Johannesburg
RedFest – Redhill
12-16 JULY 2023: JOHANNESBURG
Mandela Square Theatre: Sandton
25 May 2023: Cape Town
Hellenic Club Greenpoint
23 April 2023: Johannesburg
Theatre on the Square
26 MARCH 2023: JOHANNESBURG
Mandela Square Theatre: Sandton
WANT TO GET COSTA TO COME TO YOUR CITY?
TELEVISION SHOWREEL
My Book
“I’m at the start of an Olympic Distance Triathlon! A Greek, about to get all Olympic, following in the footsteps of my ancestors who created the games to celebrate human endeavour its ability to be pushed to the limits. Who would have thought that six years earlier I was in a deserted house in rural Mexico with a junkie smoking crack cocaine for the first time? The start of a downward spiral that would bring me to my knees and close to death. Although, maybe the seeds of my descent had been planted long before that…”
Get In Touch
To book Costa or send him your underwear fill in the details and his assistant’s assistant will be sure to get him out the Jacuzzi to attend to your request.
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