Chris Tucker and Andrew Schulz are the latest names announced by Live Nation Middle East.
Another day, another leading name added to the Abu Dhabi Comedy Week line-up: Chris Tucker. The American actor and stand-up comedian is confirmed to perform on 25 May, right after Tom Segura’s show. The inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Comedy Week will take place at Etihad Arena from 18 to 26 May, and feature an array of shows hosted by Live Nation Middle East. Andrew Schulz is also on the roster now — but more on that later.
Tucker, renowned for his boundless energy and impeccable comedic timing, first captured audiences’ hearts in the 1990s with his appearances on the HBO comedy series, Def Comedy Jam. Since then, he has since starred in numerous hit films including The Fifth Element, Money Talks, and the beloved Rush Hour franchise alongside the iconic Jackie Chan. His journey to stardom began in the comedy clubs of Atlanta before he made the leap to Los Angeles in pursuit of his stand-up comedy career. His talent and charisma quickly propelled him to the forefront of the comedy scene, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim. Originally known for his spot-on impressions, his repertoire has now grown to see him becoming a multifaceted comedian who touches on a range of hot-button topics throughout his sets.
Schulz, meanwhile, is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster known for his hilariously unfiltered brand of comedy. He will take the stage at Etihad Arena on 22 May. The New York native capped off his last North American tour, Infamous, by selling out the 6,000-seat Radio City Music Hall twice in one night. In addition to the over 150,000 fans who came out to the tour, Schulz’s stand-up and podcast content receives 12 million views across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok per week.
After rejecting creative notes on his recent special, also entitled Infamous, by the streaming service that he was working with, Schulz purchased the project back himself and distributed it through his own website and subsequently put it up on YouTube. A whopping 16 million views later, it is the most viewed comedy special on YouTube. He also created and starred in Netflix’s Schulz Saves America, taking on 2020’s most divisive topics in a fearlessly raw and irreverent four-part special. The special was inspired by his weekly Turn Your Phone rants, which exploded during the pandemic.
In the podcast sphere, Schulz’s wildly popular show, Flagrant, is viewed by two million loyal fans each week. He also co-hosts Brilliant Idiots with legendary radio and television personality, Charlamagne. Nothing is off limits for Schulz, from culture and race to politics and the beautiful chaos of creating life. His audiences are some of the most diverse among any working comedian, with fans vying to sit in the front rows of his shows to experience his merciless and masterful crowd work.
Tickets to both shows will go on pre-sale at noon on 28 March, and general sale on 29 March via Platinumlist. Elsewhere on the Abu Dhabi Comedy Week agenda? Aziz Ansari, Bassem Youssef, Maz Jobrani, Tom Segura, Tommy Tiernan, and Kevin Bridges are all confirmed to perform.
DSCVR: Abu Dhabi Comedy Week. Etihad Arena, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. @etihadarena.ae
