Overview
Hilarity is on the cards as the NZ International Comedy Festival drops anchor for another year. This year's festivities promise dead-pan wisecracks, absurd one-liners, and everyday observations from award-winning internationals, popular locals and returning festival favourites.
The three-week showcase of funny people will kick off on Friday 22 April with the annual Comedy Gala at ASB Theatre in Auckland, hosted by comedian-turned-screen-personality Rhys Darby; Wellington will get its turn to roll in the aisles on Sunday 24 April at the Opera House.
A total of 125 acts make up the lineup. Highlights of the core festival programe include Irish comedian Jimeoin, best known for his razor-sharp take on the absurdities of everyday life and a fervent pair of eyebrows; Englishman Alexis Dubus appearing in an interactive show as his French alter ego Marcel Lucont; Angela Barnes with her show Come As You Are - a funny, personal and insightful look at self-image; YouTube sensation and ‘Loose Aussie bloke’ Alex Williamson; London standup and former Best International Show recipient James Acaster with his downplayed observations; Melbourne’s Tessa Waters with a physical comedy show combining spandex, sequins and dance moves that channel Cher and Mr Bean, and Vancouver stunt magician Wes Barker.
The festival will come to an end on Sunday 15 May with the presentation of the Billy T and The Fred Awards, highlighting the brightest new talent in the New Zealand comedy scene and the Festival’s 'Best Show' by a local comedian.
Further components to the festival include Stand-Up for Kids, and a range of deaf friendly comedy shows featuring a sign language interpreter on stage.
See the Comedy Festival website for the full program and more info.