IAN BADENHORST

Ian Badenhorst is a South African born – Shanghai-based – comedian and comedy producer. After working for one of Shanghai’s largest expat entertainment groups that regularly hosted shows for Punchline Comedy Club, Ian finally took to the stage himself in December of 2015.

With a wealth of production experience under his belt, Ian has worked with other local comedy producers, touring and performing with formidable international acts including Tom Rhodes, Jackie Fabulous, Adam Hunter, Phill Jupitus and Tom Green.

In July 2018, Ian and a group of fellow comedians joined forces to form SINA COMEDY PROMOTIONS and bring out some of the world’s favorite comedians. Working with local venues, Ian hosted shows and toured with Theo Von, Joe DeRosa and Neal Brennan.

In 2023, Ian signed with Spicy Comedy Club Shanghai, China’s first full-time and Chinese-owned English stand-up comedy venue, and was the first foreigner to get a full-time performing visa as an English language stand-up comedian. In 2024, Ian won the "That's Shanghai People's Choice Comedian of the Year Award."

Ian’s comedy is full of stories of coming of age in South Africa & life in China mixed with twisted observations and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.

Ian’s headline show “My Life in China” is currently running monthly at his resident venue and around China.