"30 Years of Running from Sketch Writing": The Miraculous Troupe, "Gundan Yamamoto," Led by Keiichi Yamamoto, Announces First-Ever Comedy Live Show!

It has been decided that "Gundan Yamamoto," led by Keiichi Yamamoto of Gokuraku Tombo, will hold its first-ever sketch comedy live show since its formation, "The Fugitives! ~Gundan Yamamoto Special Conte Live~," on Sunday, August 9th at YOSHIMOTO ROPPONGI THEATER. Born in the 1990s at the Ginza 7-chome Theater, a sacred place for the Tokyo comedy scene, "Gundan Yamamoto" has a history of over 30 years but has never performed their own material live. Although they have graced numerous popular variety shows, they are a rare group that has "survived in the comedy world by continuously running from sketch writing and leaving everything to their partners." This performance will be a miraculous challenge, as they finally cut off their "escape route" and engage in a serious sketch comedy battle on stage. At the call of leader Keiichi Yamamoto, an all-star lineup of top entertainers, including Shozo Endo (Cocorico), Atsushi Tamura, Wacky (Penalty), and Tomoharu Shoji (Shinagawa Shoji), has assembled. The extremely busy members will set aside an intensive rehearsal period for this performance, staking their careers to pursue a "serious" form of expression. Whether their talent is real or just a grand 30-year bluff will be revealed on stage. It has also been decided that a secret guest with ties to the group will participate. Furthermore, the second show will feature a 30-minute after-talk, where they will share behind-the-scenes stories from rehearsals and anecdotes about the group's history—precious episodes that can only be heard at the venue. Please look forward to this performance, which the entire group is tackling to bring excitement to long-time fans and surprise to those who will see a new side of them. Performer Comments I never thought a day like this would come. The duos Gokuraku Tombo, Cocorico, London Boots 1-gō 2-gō, Penalty, and Shinagawa Shoji were familiar names at the Ginza 7-chome Theater. To stand on stage after 30 years, not as duos but as a "Gundan Live," is a tear-jerking story. I, Yamamoto, do not want it to end with just this day, and I believe the other members share the same sentiment. Please enjoy our way of life. Also, I would like to mention that the writer for this live show is our comrade, the great Kenji Ishihara, formerly of Impact. A group that has shared struggles and joys centered around Keiichi Yamamoto for over 30 years. As one of them, my motto is "relying on others," but this time I plan to work hard and break a sweat. The time has come for the group, and for myself, to face what we have long avoided. I'm not used to the stage, but Gundan Yamamoto is a community of fate. We will all tackle this with grit and full force. I hope you will come to witness the fate of "The Fugitives." A friendship of over 30 years, the five close friends of Gundan Yamamoto present a gem of a sketch comedy! Please come to the theater to see our serious comedy! Thank you! I am overjoyed to be able to perform live sketch comedy on stage with the senior comedians I admired at the Ginza 7-chome Theater, after all this time. And the script is by Kenji Ishihara. I can't wait!! Old fans and new fans, please come and visit the theater! "'The Fugitives! ~Gundan Yamamoto Special Conte Live~'" Performance Outline [Title] ① "The Fugitives! ~Gundan Yamamoto Special Conte Live~" ② "The Fugitives! ~Gundan Yamamoto Special Conte Live~ + After-Talk" [Date] Sunday, August 9th ① Doors 18:00 / Start 18:15 / End 19:45 (planned) ② Doors 20:15 / Start 20:30 / End 22:30 (planned) [Venue] YOSHIMOTO ROPPONGI THEATER (4-9-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo) [Price] ① Advance 5,000 yen | Door 5,500 yen ② Advance 7,000 yen | Door 7,500 yen *No live stream. A recording will be available for viewing later (details to be announced). [Cast] Keiichi Yamamoto (Gokuraku Tombo), Shozo Endo (Cocorico), Atsushi Tamura, Wacky (Penalty), Tomoharu Shoji (Shinagawa Shoji) +1 (Guest) ■ Advance Lottery: May 18 (Mon) 15:00 - May 25 (Mon) 11:00 *Lottery results: May 26 (Tue) 18:00 ■ General Sale: May 27 (Wed) 10:00 - >>FANY Ticket: ① The Fugitives! ~Gundan Yamamoto Special Conte Live~ https://ticket.fany.lol/event/detail/16268 ② The Fugitives! ~Gundan Yamamoto Special Conte Live~ + After-Talk https://ticket.fany.lol/event/detail/16271