The stage is set for a historic celebration of laughter as the live performance venue at The Square, Jaya One, prepares to host the inaugural PJ Comedy Fest 2026. Presented by DeStage in collaboration with Kam Productions, this five-day, multi-language festival will run from 29 July to 2 August 2026, featuring 29 comedians and 11 emerging young performers across nine unique productions.
Since its opening in 2009, the venue has served as a cultural cornerstone for Malaysia’s performing arts scene—a familiar gathering place for theatre, comedy, and creative expression. Today, it enters a bold new chapter under the stewardship of DeStage, an integrated entertainment group committed to revitalising the space through diverse programming and upgraded technical facilities, including a brand-new LED stage backdrop.
A Comedy Legacy Continues
For over a decade, the venue at The Square has been synonymous with live performance in Petaling Jaya. It has hosted generations of theatre productions, comedy showcases, and open-mic nights, playing a pivotal role in the careers of Malaysia’s most celebrated comedic talents, including Harith Iskander, Joanne Kam, Douglas Lim, and Kavin Jay.
Like many venues globally, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift in operations. However, the space adapted by opening its doors to seminars, community gatherings, and private functions, ensuring it remained a vital part of the local community.
Now, under DeStage’s creative direction—supported by media partner AFO Radio and commercial platform CSS Solutions—the venue is experiencing a renaissance. This integrated ecosystem allows for original programming, enhanced production capabilities, and larger-scale entertainment experiences, building a sustainable future for live events in the region.
Joining this effort is Kam Productions, led by Malaysia’s “Queen of Comedy,” Joanne Kam. With extensive experience producing successful events locally and internationally, Kam Productions brings invaluable expertise in programming and audience development, ensuring the festival’s artistic integrity and commercial viability.
“PJ Comedy Fest is more than just a festival—it is a celebration of this venue’s rich legacy and the beginning of a vibrant new era for live entertainment in Petaling Jaya,” said a spokesperson for DeStage.
PJ Comedy Fest 2026 Takes Centre Stage
Designed to reflect Malaysia’s multicultural identity, the festival will feature performances in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Tamil. Audiences can expect a diverse lineup ranging from stand-up and improv to storytelling and theatrical experiences, staged across DeStage’s Studio and Main Theatre Hall.
Headline acts include a star-studded Comedy Gala featuring Joanne Kam, Kavin Jay, Shamaine Othman, Andrew Netto, Kuah Jenhan, Farid Azmeir, K-Shao, Jasmine Rajah, Brian Tan, Prakash Daniel, Keren Bala Devan, and the acclaimed improv troupe Pinball Monkeys.
Beyond established names, the festival is committed to nurturing new talent, providing a platform for young performers to share the stage with industry veterans. The event will conclude with a family-friendly production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by EM Drama, ensuring the celebration is accessible to audiences of all ages.
Rockafellers Powers The Nightlife Experience
Complementing the festival’s artistic offerings is a renewed focus on nightlife and social experiences, spearheaded by Rockafellers, The Square’s 360° F&B and entertainment anchor. Known for its dynamic blend of dining, drinks, and live entertainment, Rockafellers will host themed nights, happy hours, ladies’ nights, and music bingo sessions throughout the festival period.
As a special incentive, Rockafellers is offering an exclusive 15% discount on à la carte food items for PJ Comedy Fest ticket holders, encouraging audiences to extend their experience beyond the stage and celebrate before or after the shows.
More Experiences at The Square
The excitement extends beyond comedy, with a series of curated cultural and culinary events happening throughout July and August, including:
- Malaysia’s Oyster Table by Oyster Bois (11–12 July)
- Japanese Izakaya Night by IPPUDO & Hong Bee (18–19 July)
- Sip of Borneo by Sun Borneo (25–26 July)
- Artsy Fartsy Marketplace by DeStage (29 July – 2 August)
- Discover Spain by Spanish Cellar (8–9 August)
Participating tenants including La Chica, IPPUDO, Tommy Thongchai, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Starbucks, Bold Burger Crispy Chicken, and Luckin Coffee will also roll out special promotions, solidifying The Square as a go-to destination for food, culture, and lifestyle.
