First of all it’s very calm: Corbacho returns to Teatro Ibiza for a night of laughter and connection

Jose Corbacho returns to the island with humor and a warm wish to reconnect with friends and fans. The show, titled First of all it’s very calm, opens at Teatro Ibiza from 22:00 tonight, inviting audiences to share in a night of laughter and connection.

What is it offering tonight at Teatro Ibiza?

A live monologue that supports the theatre and its cultural scene on the island, adding energy and visibility to this beloved venue. It promises a fun experience where people can relax and enjoy themselves. After a long stretch without performances on the island, this night presents a unique chance to reconnect with familiar faces and new ones alike.

What other projects are you currently working on?

The artist is touring Spain with the current monologue, returning to Barcelona to perform in the third season of Teatre Borràs. Soon there is a larger project scheduled to premiere at the Barcelona Festival and at the Palau de la Música on February 14 at the Tívoli Theatre. The production, Love, love, love, pairs Corbacho with Ramón Gene to tell love stories set to a blend of symphony orchestra and rock band, spanning classical and contemporary music. The show features around 50 musicians on stage and has been touring across Spain with strong reception.

Would you rather go alone or with lots of company?

When the mood calls for company, Corbacho gathers a full ensemble, bringing together the band, the orchestra, and a talented team of about 50 people to create a richer, more communal experience.

Recording a new program for TVE?

A new program for Spanish Television is in development to fill a void left by Anne Igartiburu’s film project, bridging popular curiosity with travel through the lives of well-known Spanish artists. The project will feature routes through iconic locales, starting with Manolo Escobar and moving through Barcelona, Monserrat Caballé, and Badalona. While no title has been announced yet, the show will also feature a collaboration on a Christmas special for MasterChef.

Has it become more versatile or does the current situation force actors to be more flexible?

Corbacho notes a continual adaptability in his career, explaining that he often moves from one medium to another, mixing stage work with touring and other performances. The key is to stay active and responsive to audiences, staying open to new opportunities, even when plans shift.

Is there a different mood after the pandemic than before?

Humor mirrors life, and its evolution runs parallel to human experience. The comedian emphasizes that laughter remains essential, even as the world changes. The craft has evolved, much like people and communities, with performers thriving on current events and audience energy.

It was difficult to work on Pandemic for comedians…

The period was challenging because masks hid the smiles that fuel a comedian. Audiences could only listen, not always react. In the post-pandemic era, there is a renewed appreciation for humor, and audiences value comedy and theatre greatly, which is a source of satisfaction for performers.

Was there a hunger for humor?

Life blends tragedy and comedy, and audiences increasingly seek relief and joy. The drive to have a good time remains strong, and people welcome lightness as a counterbalance to difficult times.

This theatre is a refuge for actors generally?

Theatre has always offered a foundation and a springboard. Corbacho traces his roots to La Cubana, a company he spent years with, before moving into live television and other media that retain a theatrical sensibility. On stage he feels a sense of freedom when performing alone, even as he appreciates the collaborative energy of a larger cast. He often returns to theatre because it provides a familiar, intimate space where he can connect with the audience.

But a monologue requires more responsibility.

With a single microphone and a solo spotlight, the performer bears full responsibility for the room. If the audience doesn’t laugh or engage, the outcome rests solely on the performer. This format demands focus and resilience, but it also offers the reward of a highly personal connection with the audience. For Corbacho, the format has proven deeply satisfying whenever the material resonates with viewers.

Is it necessary to diversify the role of the humorist?

Corbacho is pleased with his varied collaborations, including a stand-up segment on Carles Sans’ new show. This diversification helps the performer reach different audiences and keeps the craft vibrant and dynamic.

With so many platforms and programs, how do you choose a good product of humor?

The abundance of offers means more options, but quantity doesn’t always equate to quality. A larger lineup requires extra effort to discover what truly resonates. In the streaming era, viewers face a glut of choices, and so the hunt for meaningful, entertaining content becomes a key part of the experience.

How much is a round of applause worth right now?

Applause carries real value, even if its price isn’t easily measured. It signals validation and connection. If a joke misses, the performer pivots—there is no room to pretend. The energy in the room, the faces in the crowd, all influence what happens on stage and remind the artist why live performance matters.

After you became a star during prime time, does bowling still hold the same appeal?

Bowling remains appealing for its mix of travel, healing, and social reconnection. Tonight’s show captures that spirit, offering a path back to lively interaction and familiar faces on the island.