Well known cabaret and stand-up comedian Leon van der Zanden offers an interactive lecture providing insight into what truly happens when you stand before a group! The themes can vary from "Connection" to "Humor," and from "Performance" to "Pleasure."

Leon van der Zanden has been a cabaret and stand-up comedian since 1998. He has created and performed 9 solo shows, including: "Coole Snelle Jongen met een Zachte Bruine Vacht" (Cool Fast Guy with a Soft Brown Fur) (2001/2003), "Hoerejong" (Whore boy)(2003/2004), "Zwarte Hond" (Black Dog) (2004/2006), "Leon" (2006/2008), "Cola" (2009/2011), "Vruchtvlees" (Fruit Flesh) (2012/2013), "Rebel" (2014/2015), "Supergewoon" (Super Ordinary) (2015/2017), and "Kameleon" (Chameleon) (2017/2019), which have been performed in theaters across the Netherlands and Belgium.

"Rebel" is considered his most groundbreaking show. This performance, based on his dreams, combines over 10 theater genres in a symbolic story that taps into the audience's subconscious.

"Kameleon" is Leon's most recent show, where he moves away from traditional cabaret, and the performance takes on the character of an intimate conversation.

In television, Leon has appeared in programs such as "In goed gezelschap" (In Good Company) (VARA 2012/2013), "De Invaller" (The Substitute) (AVROTROS 2014), was a guest at comedy club Katendrecht (VARA 2016), and is the regular presenter of PLUS TV (2018-2023). Additionally, the program "Grimassen" (NTR) dedicated an episode to Leon, in which he returned to his roots in Mauritius.

For Omroep Brabant, he co-created and co-presented the program "Olifantendoders" (Elephant Killers) with Merlijn Passier until 2008, respectfully and humorously addressing and demystifying social taboos. He then created the 13-part series "Leon in Africa" for Omroep Brabant, about Dutch people working on projects in Africa, visiting Rwanda, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda.

In March 2016, he performed a special show for the dismissed employees of V&D (Leon's Big Prize Circus), broadcast live on 4 regional channels. Leon also appears annually as Piet in the Sinterklaasjournaal (Saint Nicholas News).

In May/June 2024, Leon will be featured in "Meedoen is Goud" (Participation is Gold). In June, the Special Olympics will take place in Tilburg and Breda, a multi-day sports tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. This documentary series follows several ambassadors in their preparations for the Special Olympics, showcasing their sports, daily work, and contributions to the Special Olympics organization. Leon van der Zanden will present the series and the opening ceremony in Breda.

Additionally, during the 2018/2019 football season, Leon was the field announcer at all PSV home games, and until mid-2019, he also presented the program "Ongemakkelijke Gesprekken" (Awkward Conversations) at the Tropenmuseum Amsterdam.

In April 2019, the book "Geen Cabaretier" (Not a Comedian) was released, written by Bart van Tongerlo, Leon's tour manager during his theater tour. The book is about Leon and his cabaret career.

In 2023-2024, he directed the cabaret duo Spruijt en Opperman and illusionist Niels Houtepen. Comedian Gerrie Smits has also been assisted by Leon during the creative process of his show.

In 2024, Leon created a new show for Dutch expats living abroad, which he will perform regularly at various Dutch associations worldwide. In between, he will perform as a comedian to keep creating new material.

In 2024, Leon launched "Stel je voor… je eigen voorstelling" (Imagine... Your Own Show), a complete year-long program where 12 participants perform their own 30-minute shows in a professional theater, which are also filmed. The third group will start in September 2025.

In 2025, Leon will also focus on a 4-day workshop "Leren-Spelen" (Learn-Play). The basis of these days is improvisation and play. Many different games and play forms from the theater world will be covered. The focus is on playing, discovering, and having fun.