Comedy festival comes to streets of Montreux

Montreux Comedy Festival

For the first time, performers at Montreux's comedy festival will be taking the show to the streets. The festival, which runs from May 30 to June 4, boasts a high calibre line up of Swiss, French and international acts.

Over the six days, a wide array of mime and visual artists, stand up comedians and impersonators will be taking to the main stage at the casino in Montreux. The organisers of the festival, now in its 12th year, are trying to repeat its success by hosting free, open-air performances.

On the streets, acts disguised as everything from Hare Krishna devotees to brass bands and fire-eaters will prey on the unsuspecting public.

“Les Krishnous” promise no scruples in trying to convert passers by to the Hare Krishna doctrine. Everyone is warned to be on their guard for the antics of “Les Grands Nains”. The organisers of the festival say they are not as innocent as they look, despite their penchant for re-telling the story of Snow White.

Also preying on the public will be “Les Big Brozeurs”. Named after the reality television programme, the three-metre-tall members of the comedy team will definitely stand out from the crowd.

The street performances will be held under the covered market and along Montreux’s scenic quay.

swissinfo