Overview
The 2017 NZ International Comedy Festival returns from 27 April – 21 May promising 117 comedy shows in Auckland and 68 in Wellington. From the official opening showcase hosted by Urzila Carlson, this year's festival throws up everything from half-naked solo shows to sketch comedy and magic.
Renowned Irish comic Ed Byrne leads the bill of funny people and will perform his show Outside, Looking In— an observational performance that reflects on everything from life as a father and husband to feminism and transgenderism. Also making the trip across international waters will be Florida's Eric Andre. The actor and comedian is known for his absurd and high-energy stand up featuring stream-of-consciousness rants and pop-culture satire.
Elsewhere, Aussie comedian Tessa Waters returns with a collision of dance, clown and sketch; The UK's Lou Sanders (or the "Beyonce of comedy") will perform her new show The Best of Lou Sanders; Billy T nominee Li'i Alaimoana will make his festival debut with his new musical show Minority Rapport.
Local highlights include Brynley Stent's portrayal of an escapee from religious closed community Gloriavale; the latest kitsch comedy (and "the campest thriller you'll ever see") from theatre makers Parker & Sainsbury - D.O.C.ing; frenetic observationalist Alice Brine with No One Puts Briney In The Corner; 2016 Billy T James Award winner and semi-nude eccentric David Correos in David Correos Is Going Full Correos; plus comedy illusionist Jarred Fell in Hack.
Visit the Festival website for the full schedule and tickets.