Celebrated Writer, Director and Performer J.Bobs Tshabalala is back in Cape Town with his live game show Off The Record.

What is it you ask?

Is it improvisation, theatre sports, stand up comedy?

It does borrow from the tropes of theatre sports. It does demand an inclination toward improvisation. There are elements of stand-up comedy in it. But, all in all, these are GAME SHOWS! We are talking Buzzers, Bells, Quizzes, Prizes, Challenges, Points, Teams, Rivalry, Cheats, The Works!

This show has become a cult gem due to its high energy, edgy and entertaining performance style. One second it is a riotous laughter festival and the next second it is a scathing critique of how complicit we all are in the horrors that make up this nation. It is an exploration rich in critical engagement, robust debate and thorough research. The competition element then decorates all these complex workings in a way that makes even the most gruesome subject matter digestible. 

This is the two time Cape Town Fringe Award winning performance which scooped the “Freshest Show” and “Spirit of Fringe” awards. In 2018, it won the Gold Ovation Award at The National Arts Festival.

Do yourself a favour and come and see why this concept is creating such a large buzz in the alternative live arts sphere. 

There's an amazing line up of fascinating and funny guests including entertainers, writers, intellectuals and smarty-pants. Here's the line-up so far, but be warned! It is subject to change.

Media & Reviews

"The gameshow's success is based on rewarding our connections more than our divisions. On highlighting similarities in the veil of exposing our differences. On being scathing in a way that is cathartic for all, and on being funny in a way that is laughable only to our national humour. They are about using theatre to explore the theatrics of our reality."

Carla Lever interviews Jefferson Tshabalala for Bookslive.om

Audience Responses

I’m not big into audience participation but I couldn’t help getting very involved in this. Loved the energy and laughed so much.

J Bobs for ever !!!!

Hi The show was good but really needs even the audience members to be extroverts. It was too fast paced and high energy for me and I just didn't feel comfortable AND got frustrated because research is my thing but not at that pace so I felt like I was useless at the one thing I would usually be able to contribute. I saw another introvert on the opposite team looking exactly how I felt so it confirmed it for me. I think I have enough to write a review if my photos are ok (I still have to check) - and don't worry, I can be objective and I get why it's good and why some people do enjoy it, though I will have to mention this caveat - so I will put it on my list but as I mentioned in my email it's lower priority so I will try and aim it for the next run of the show. Can someone please send me the names of all last night's captains and researchers, as well as the other performer who was in the show? Thanks Mandy

Participatory and fun! Encouraged some reflection on our (lack of) knowledge on Africa

👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽 Beyond. I had no expectations, because I had no idea what I coming to, just that some friends are in it, but wow.

I am usually not very into audience participation but kinda forgot about that after 5 minutes and really got into it - it was funny and interesting and told a narrative that really highlighted my ignorance on a topic I should know more about.

Weepingly funny and full of spiky provocations. I love how a show that challenges the audience about South African pop culture and social issues does so in a way that is not mean-spirited. We were complicit in the jokes.

Hilarious. Audience participation was great.

I brought 7 people and we all loved it!

The show was amazing. J. Tshabalala weaved through topics, sadness and humour effortlessly. Enjoyed the energy of panel members and their wit.