Ten Must-See Acts at the NZ Comedy Festival 2014

It’s no small feat trying to whittle down the plethora of comedians showcased in the Auckland leg of this year's 2014 New Zealand International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider. With over 120 individual shows from 24 April – 18 May, the raw talent behind microphones is enough to give even those with the strongest of cores a hernia.

As with anything worth pursuing, comedy has host of different styles that appeal to different audiences. With that in mind read on, fellow laughers of jokes, and take your picks from our handcrafted selection, because once again Concrete Playground has curated your festival experience with a list of ten diverse acts you need to get along to.

1. STUART GOLDSMITH

The fast-talking, quick-witted Brit makes his return to NZ after winning the Spirit of the Festival award at last years Festival. As the host of the highly regarded podcast, ‘The Comedians’ Comedian’, where he chats to fellow comics about their craft and trade, Goldsmith’s new show, ‘He Wolf’, features him talking about all relevant aspects of life: love, snipers, and amphibians. The Auckland audience will be among the first in the world to see his act before he takes it to the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

2. ALEX WILLIAMSON

YouTube success story, Alex Williamson (see Shooter Williamson) is the man behind such videos as ‘The Loosest Aussie Bloke Ever’, and his hilarious impersonation of controversial Australian Rules footballer, Ben Cousins. After receiving rave reviews of his tour through the UK and Australia, Williamson travels to NZ with his new show, “Dumb Things I’ve Done”. A personal favourite of yours truly, his multi-faceted, musical, and multimedia laden act is highly anticipated.

3. REGINALD D. HUNTER

Reginald D. Hunter is the definition of stage presence. The man has an uncanny ability to captivate his audience with his clever and unique observational humour. Hunter’s Southern-American upbringing contrasted with his tenure in the UK gives his act a rare comedic edge that can only be experienced. The name of the show itself, “In the Midst of Crackers”, should be all the reason you need to go, but if it isn’t then have a look at the above video and try to stop yourself hitting ‘purchase’.

4. CHRIS MARTIN

Quite possibly the opposite of the Coldplay front man, this Chris Martin is upbeat, lively and highly animated. Martin is back in NZ after selling out last years shows with his new act, ‘Responsibilliness’, examining growing up and basically being a man-child. Hailed as a wildly funny British up-and-comer, his classic chronicling of everyday idiosyncrasies will strike a cord with any fan of stand up.

5. JAMES ACASTER

Dry, British, deadpan humour at it’s finest. James Acaster adopts the exterior of a dull simpleton but don’t be fooled, he is incredibly sharp. Acaster was nominated for 'Best Show' two years running in the 2012 and 2013 Edinburgh Comedy Awards, and is widely considered one of the hottest new faces on the UK comedy circuit. Another returnee to NZ after sell-out shows at last years Festival, he’s sure to have you in stitches.

6. RHYS DARBY

NZ’s official oddball of comedy, Rhys Darby hits this years Festival with his show, ‘Mr Adventure’. Famous for just about everything from indie television shows gone big, to huge British films, and even national telecommunications advertisements, the onstage physicality of Darby is always a winner. Be sure to get in quick to see his unique take stand up as it’s sure to sell out.

7. MARCEL LUCONT

Marcel Lucont is an arrogant, narcissistic Frenchman who takes any chance he can to put down collective philosophies, the British, and even the French. His pretentious brand of humour has somewhat ironically earned him some prestigious awards like the 2013 Fringe World ‘Best Comedy Show’, but rightfully so. Let him and his ever-present stereotypical glass of red wine entertain you for night and you surely will not regret it.

8. URZILA CARLSON

In an industry that’s overwhelmingly dominated by males, it’s refreshing to have the powerhouse that is Urzila Carlson featured among some of the great names in comedy. Famed for her regular panelist role in the always-popular 7 Days, Carlson’s ‘straight-up’ style of comedy has audiences everywhere in hysterics. The South-African born Kiwi resident sold out her shows at the previous two Festivals and this year is looking no different.

9. FIVE STAR COMEDY PREVIEW

For those who can’t decide on just one act to see for their Festival experience, look no further than the Five Star Comedy Preview. With a chance to sample nine of some of the world’s greatest talents, it’s a no-brainer if you want some real value for money. Kicking of the Festival, this years Preview features the British lineup of John Gordillo, Sara Pascoe, John Robins, Tim FitzHigham, Carl Donnelly and the return of James Acaster, Markus Birdman and Stuart Goldsmith. Throw in the Northern Irishman, Michael Legge and you’ve got yourself one hell of a night out.

10. TIM FITZHIGHAM

Tim Fitzhigham brings his hugely popular act entitled, ‘The Gambler’ to this year's Festival. A Brit who is almost obsessed by a challenge, he decided he wanted to recreate at great expense to himself, the 10 strangest bets in history. The Gambler is a show about the pursuit of such a goal. In the process Fitzhigham partially severed his finger, broke a rib, fractured a toe and put his house up for sale. He has earned praise from a number of contemporaries including none other than Eddie Izzard who claims, “Tim Fitzhigham is unhinged. He is completely without hinges.”

For the full Festival line-up, special offers and the latest on all things comedy head to comedyfestival.co.nz