THREE DECADES. THOUSANDS OF COMEDIANS. ONE GREAT NIGHT OUT
For 30 years, The Laughter Factory has been doing something that used to be unusual in the Gulf: consistently bringing professional comedians from the best clubs in the world to audiences in the UAE.
This month is another example of exactly why the club has endured for three decades, with a line-up featuring Marlon Davis, George Zach, Denisa Alexe and John Hague — four comedians with very different backgrounds, styles and stories, but one thing in common: they know how to deliver a proper stand-up show.
The Laughter Factory was established at a time when professional stand-up comedy was virtually unknown in the Middle East. Three decades later, the club remains committed to the same principle: don’t fill the stage with amateurs — fly in and book comedians who have earned their place on the professional circuit.
This month’s headliner, Marlon Davis, is a comedian, improviser and actor whose television credits include Live at the Apollo, Live From The Comedy Store, Stand Up Central, The Stand Up Sketch Show and Don’t Hate the Playaz. He has also supported some of British comedy’s biggest names, including Kevin Bridges, Michael McIntyre and Alan Carr, on tour, establishing himself as one of the UK’s rising comedy talents.
As Chortle described him, he “bursts on to the stage like a breath of fresh air”, combining an effortlessly confident style with skilful characterisation and a talent for acting out the everyday scenarios that make up his material. His comedy draws on his upbringing and life in urban Britain, often finding the absurdity in social issues and ordinary situations.
Joining him is George Zach who brings a very different international perspective. His credits extend beyond the comedy club circuit, including writing for and appearing on BBC One’s This Week and The One Show, as well as acting in Sky’s Summer Shorts. His performances have earned strong reviews, with The Wee Review describing him as a “charismatic raconteur” and the Melbourne Herald calling him “truly terrific”.
Originally from Greece, George moved to Britain at 18 to study Biochemistry, expecting life in Britain to involve something closer to Hugh Grant and Notting Hill. Instead, he ended up in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
George began performing stand-up in 2009 and has since established himself on both the UK and Australian comedy circuits. He has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe five times, appeared at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and performed internationally in Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, Germany and Hong Kong.
Next on the bill is Denisa Alexe, a Russian-Romanian comedian whose route to the stage began in the world of social media. Her character “Ellena” became a TikTok sensation in 2020, generating millions of views.
Drawing on her upbringing in Eastern Europe and 16 years living in the Middle East, Denisa brings an international perspective to her stand-up, combining cultural observations, storytelling and experiences that audiences across the region can recognise.
Completing the line-up is fresh face to comedy, 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.
The Laughter Factory’s longevity is built on a straightforward formula: bring audiences comedians they wouldn’t ordinarily get the chance to see in an intimiate venue.
This month’s comedians are performers with television credits, festival appearances, international tours, major comedy club experiences
The Laughter Factory’s latest comedy tour takes place across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
For tickets, dates and venues, visit www.thelaughterfactory.com
Event Details
- October 2nd – Grand Millennium Dubai, Barsha Heights 8:30PM
- October 3rd – Studio One Hotel 8:30PM
- October 4th – The Club, Abu Dhabi (BEDB410pm) 7PM
- October 9th – Radisson DAMAC Hills 8:30PM
- October 10th – Jumeirah Golf Estates (BEDB410pm) 7PM
- October 10th – Dukes The Palm 8:30PM
- Tickets: Available at thelaughterfactory.com
- Early bird tickets: AED140 until 24th September
- Seating: Limited – early booking recommended
- Over 21s only
- Call 050 878 6728 for details.
Meet the comics
Marlon Davis
Marlon Davis is a talented comedian, improviser and actor whose TV appearances include Live at the Apollo, Live From The Comedy Store, Stand Up Central, The Stand Up Sketch Show and Don’t Hate the Playaz
“Bursts on to the stage like a breath of fresh air, with impish grin, boyish enthusiasm and an effortlessly open, confident style”
-Chortle
Marlon made the final of two national competitions, Laughing Horse New Act of the Year and So You Think You’re Funny at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe the following year, very quickly and firmly cementing his status as a rising star on the comedy circuit.
Davis is charming, with a winning smile, his passion in acting out all the little scenarios that comprise his set is enviable’
-Chortle
Marlon has supported Kevin Bridges, Michael McIntyre, and Alan Carr on tour, and is performing at clubs, arts centres, and theatres all over the UK. Marlon’s act is inspired by his upbringing, exploring urban Britain, and tackling its social issues with skilful characterisation.
George Zach
George is Greek and moved to Britain at 18 to study Biochemistry lured by the idea of living in the country of Hugh Grant, Mr Bean and Lady Diana; Due to the family budget however, instead of living it large in Notting Hill, he ended up in Newcastle Upon-Tyne.
When he was done with university, George decided lab life wasn’t for him, so whilst playing poker for a living he did his first comedy spot in 2009 in a room above a pub on St Patrick’s Day.
Since that day he has gone on to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 5 times and in 2015 he appeared at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
George has firmly established himself in the UK and Australian comedy circuits, has performed in various countries such as Spain, The Netherlands, Greece, Germany and Hong Kong and has supported Luisa Omielan and Sophie Willan on their UK tours.
Outside live comedy work, George has written for and appeared on BBC One’s This Week, The One Show and has acted in Sky’s Summer Shorts. In 2016 George also was cast as the lead in a Greek speaking play called Aphrodite’s Wedding which went on for a week-long sold out run at the Enfield Theatre.
Press
“A charismatic raconteur.. his story not only elicits laughter but is also, at times, poignant and moving” ★★★★ – The Wee Review (Edinburgh Fringe)
“Truly Terrific” – Melbourne Herald (Australia)
“Huge Laughs, George is clearly a very funny guy” – Broadway Baby (Edinburgh Fringe)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/georgezachcomedian
Tweeter: https://twitter.com/GreekComedian
Vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Znpl2guGd_c&feature=youtu.be
Denisa Alexe
Introducing Denisa Alexe, a dynamic standup comedian of Russian-Romanian descent. With a knack for creating hilarious skits and videos on social media, Denisa shot to fame in 2020 with her character “Ellena” on TikTok, gathering millions of views (@ellena.goes.viral)
Drawing inspiration from her challenging upbringing in Eastern Europe and 16 years spent in the Middle East, Denisa infuses her standup material with thought-provoking insights and relatable experiences.
As an international comedian, Denisa’s ability to connect with diverse audiences through her wit, storytelling, and cultural observations is unmatched. Whether it’s a club, corporate event, or festival, Denisa Alexe brings a fresh and captivating energy that leaves audiences begging for more.
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, his 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.