Credit: Cliff Rhodes
Comedy duo Nameless Numberhead has been carving out a space for experimental and alternative performance in Charleston. Their shows tap into many of the different pockets of creative space in town and showcase them in a platform called Rip City CHS. Over the years Rip City has grown into something that celebrates far more than comedy. They feature music acts, drag performances, animated short films, pole dancing, magic, and more.
Last year they hosted a number of special event experiences that put shows in different pockets of the Charleston creative ecosystem. One of them was Rip City on a Boat which delivers exactly what it sounds like, all the wackiness of Rip City taking place on a boat in the middle of Charleston Harbor.
The show is directly inspired by the College of Charleston student group 1770 Records, a student-run record label that bolsters the local music scene. Every year they put 3ish bands on a boat in the middle of Charleston Harbor for a boat show.
“It’s such a good idea, the second I saw it, I knew this had to be done with a comedy show as well,” said Henry Riggs, ½ of Nameless Numberhead and co-producer of Rip City CHS.
“One of the biggest takeaways from last year’s show on a boat was that it gave our audiences a very touristy look at Charleston that we don’t always get to see,” Riggs said. “I don’t know about you but I’m not really taking sunset harbor cruises with my friends very often, so it was really cool to see Charleston shine the way it does for visitors.”
Credit: Cliff Rhodes
Rip City on a Boat 2023 was one of the group’s most popular shows of the year, selling out weeks before the performance. This year is on track to be another sell out, with presale tickets being the highest in Rip City history.
General Admission tickets are $40. And VIP tickets are $55 which include early boarding, priority seating, and early bar access.
Boarding begins at 7:00 pm (6:30 for VIP) from the Charleston Maritime Center (10 Wharfside St. Next to the IAAM). The boat will leave at 7:30 pm sharp and the show begins at 8 pm. The boat returns to the dock at 9:30 pm
And don’t worry if you quite literally miss the boat. Rip City CHS happens monthly with a rotating cast of local, regional, and (sometimes) national acts. Next shows after the boat are May 18th & June 29th.
