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Comedian Dalin Oliver performing his new stand-up show Stuck in Dubai during his 2026 national tour.

Award-winning comedian Dalin Oliver launches his biggest national tour yet with his latest stand-up show, Stuck in Dubai.

Home Entertainment Dalin Oliver Launches Biggest Comedy Tour Yet with New Show, Stuck in Dubai

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Dalin Oliver Launches Biggest Comedy Tour Yet with New Show, Stuck in Dubai

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Venecia Valentine

Fresh off another successful run at the National Arts Festival, award-winning comedian Dalin Oliver is hitting the road with his brand-new stand-up show, Stuck in Dubai, beginning with a homecoming season in Cape Town.

The Cape Town run, from 21 July to 1 August, marks the official start of Oliver’s biggest national tour to date after the show earned his third National Arts Festival Ovation Award in Makhanda.

“There’s something incredibly meaningful about starting this tour in Cape Town,” says Oliver.

“This is home. It’s where I found comedy, where I learnt my craft, where people took a chance on me before anyone knew my name. To kick off my biggest tour with the audience that has supported me from day one is really special. I can’t think of a better place to start this journey.”

An award-winning new show

Following its Ovation Award-winning National Arts Festival debut, Stuck in Dubai is already being described as Oliver’s most ambitious and personal show.

Inspired by a travel mishap that unexpectedly became one of the funniest stories of his career, the production combines storytelling, sharp observations and Oliver’s signature high-energy performance style.

While the title suggests airport drama, the show explores life’s unexpected twists and how the most memorable moments often come from plans that don’t go as expected.

“Every comedian hopes life hands them stories worth telling, I definitely didn’t expect getting stranded, to become the inspiration for an entire show,” says Oliver.

“Looking back now, what felt incredibly stressful at the time has become one of the funniest experiences of my life. Audiences connect with it because we’ve all had those moments where life completely changes course without warning.”

A career milestone

The nationwide tour marks another major achievement for the Cape Town-born comedian, who has performed in 10 countries and more than 25 international cities.

His accolades include a Fringe World Festival Award, three National Arts Festival Ovation Awards, three Comics Choice Comedy Award nominations and recognition as one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans.

“I’ve toured before, but this feels different,” he says.

“This is my biggest tour yet, both in terms of the number of cities and what the show means to me personally. Every year you want to become a better comedian, a better storyteller and a better performer. I genuinely feel this is my strongest show yet, and I can’t wait to share it with audiences around the country.”

National and international tour dates

Following the Cape Town launch, Stuck in Dubai will travel to theatres and festivals across South Africa, including Hilton Arts Festival, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, St Francis Bay, Knysna, Sedgefield, Paarl, Durban, Johannesburg, Strand, KuGompo City, Gqeberha and Stellenbosch.

The international leg includes five performances at the Bitesize Festival at Riverside Studios in London from 14 to 16 August, followed by Oliver’s debut at Stockholm Fringe in Sweden from 26 to 30 August.

“One of my favourite things about touring is discovering how different every audience is,” says Oliver.

“Each town has its own personality and rhythm, but laughter has this incredible way of bringing everyone together. Whether you’re watching in Cape Town, Johannesburg or a small town you’ve never visited before, we’re all laughing about the same human experiences. That’s what makes live comedy so special.”