From
January through June every year, Lagos and other parts of the country
usually witness a deluge of comedy shows. And then there is some quiet
as everybody awaits the big masquerade to emerge in October -Opa
Williams’ Nite of A Thousand Laughs.
Preparations leading to the event
usually begin from around this period (June/July) as sponsors are seen jostling for
space in the premier comedy show that usually holds on October 1, in
Lagos, its traditional home. And this year’s edition is a special one as
the show which began in 1995, is marking its 18th anniversary on
October 1.
According to Opa Williams, "Against this backdrop, Nite of A Thousand Laughs’
edition this year will take on a different shape and size because at 18,
we have attained adulthood, so we are playing on the maturity of the
brand, just like the proverbial old wine, it should tastes better. We
have stayed on top for 18 years as the premier comedy brand and you know
staying on top is the hardest part of the game. No comedy show in
Nigeria is above 13 years of age at the moment, but we have been able to
sustain our dominance for 18 years. While we celebrate, we should also
be mindful of the fact that people who troop out to watch our shows
yearly deserve to get more value for their money every time they come
out. So this year, we will ensure the audience laugh a thousand
times as the brand’s name implies. If it’s a comedy show, it’s a comedy
show, not a music concert, that is why we are redefining comedy show
organization with this oncoming edition of Nite of A Thousand Laughs."
Opa Williams would not go into details of the rebranded Nite of A
Thousand Laughs, he however had this to say; "I want to assure you that
going forward, Nite of A Thousand Laughs is not going to be about some
comedians and musicians climbing the stage and entertaining people
anymore. We started that trend. We later introduced dance to the menu
and everybody followed suit. We are introducing something unique this
year that will make the audience truly laugh a thousand times, but we
are keeping that under the hat for now. So if you allow yourself to be
told about it, too bad,” Opa Williams said, revealing however, that
reigning comedy actor, Afiz Aiyetoro, popularly called ‘Saka’ will
feature in the October 1 edition. In a bid to discourage ticket sales at
the venue, Williams said tickets will be on sale on
http://www.ariiyatickets.com, a month prior to the event as well as at
other designated spots that would be announced later.
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