Based: Cape Town
Award-Winning Comedian | Actress | Writer | MC
Shimmy Isaacs is a dynamic Cape Town-based comedian, actress, writer and MC, celebrated for her sharp observational humour, fearless storytelling and infectious stage presence. Born and raised in Worcester in the Western Cape, she has transformed her personal experiences, cultural observations and uniquely South African perspective into a successful career spanning stand-up comedy, theatre, television and film.
A graduate of AFDA, where she received a full scholarship and completed an Honours degree in Screenwriting and Acting, Shimmy furthered her training at the Black Nexxus acting school in New York. She later became one of the youngest lecturers in AFDA’s Acting Department, specialising in physical theatre and human behaviour.
Her acclaimed theatre work includes Dens Wit Me, which won Best New Play at the Baxter Ikwezi Festival, and her award-winning one-woman productions Allie Pad Funny Worcester and Howzit My Bra. The latter earned her recognition at the KKNK festival and kykNET Fiësta Awards.
Shimmy has performed alongside many of South Africa’s leading comedians, including Mark Lottering, Kurt Schoonraad, Tumi Morake, David Kau, Loyiso Gola and Rob van Vuuren, and has represented South Africa internationally at venues including the Royal Carré Theatre in Amsterdam and a comedy festival in Glasgow.
Her screen career includes roles in Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story, Sara se Geheim and Arendsvlei. She is also the creator, writer and producer of the Showmax comedy series Mince Jou Hare, inspired by her family and Worcester community.
Warm, quick-witted and exceptionally comfortable with an audience, Shimmy is equally compelling as a stand-up comedian or corporate MC. Her ability to read a room, improvise and connect across diverse audiences makes her an excellent choice for corporate events, conferences, gala dinners, awards evenings and comedy showcases.
