Overview
Year after year the New Zealand International Comedy Festival delivers a fresh lineup of comedy greats pledging to paste a smile on your dial, and this year is no different. Established in 1993, the comedy festival has become one of New Zealand's most anticipated events of the year. Between the hilarious domestic favorites and intriguing international game-changers, the only hard task about getting along to these shows is deciding which ones to see. Here from April 22 until May 15, this is our guide to the 2016 NZICF.
James Acaster
Among the comical delights making their way to New Zealand over April is English funny man James Acaster who is expected to entrance audiences with his new show RESET. Even before its world premiere RESET has been tipped as a festival highlight, with James' relentless commitment to comedy on display as he finds himself with something to look forward to. Something we all want. In a bid to win the esteemed Foster's Comedy Award for Best Show, James is premiering the new set for New Zealand audiences before taking it across to the 2016 Edinburgh Comedy Awards.
Flick Electric Co. Comedy Gala
If you like a bit more bang for your buck as well as a variety of comedic antidotes the Comedy Gala is a night out not to be missed. Kicking off the festival on April 22 at ASB Theatre, the gala will launch with a whopping 21 comedians delivering a taste of their shows to come. Hosted by the lovable Rhys Darby, the gala also features fellow Flight of the Conchords star Arj Barker, Australia's Felicity Ward, Billy T Award winner Guy Montgomery, Welshman Lloyd Langford, Irish comedian Jimeoin, Frenchman Marcel Lucont, New Zealand's own Rose Matafeo, the winners of the 2015 and 2014 Best International Show: Nish Kumar and James Acaster, and a whole lot more.
Wilson Dixon
All the way from "Cripple Creek, Colorado", Wilson Dixon is back at the comedy festival with his show Back Catalogue; not to be confused with the collected information, diagrams and explanations about Wilson's actual back. Wilson's combination of original one-liners and smart storytelling make for the smoothest of comedy gigs. He will entertain with a host of obscure songs and stories from his childhood, the distant past and share some ancient family history. With only two shows that will surely sell out, all country music lovers or in fact anyone that just wants to have a laugh, should make sure they get along.
Heath Franklin's Chopper
After taking the former countries of New Zealand and Australia, cutting the excess fat and creating an entirely new superpower for the world, Live From Anzakistan is Chopper's best show yet. Relentless with an attitude like no other, Chopper has a passion for profanity and an obsession with objectionable behaviour. He may not have any experience as a leader of a country but he's willing to give it all his might. As seen on 7 Days and TV3's Chopper's Republic of Anzakistan. With dates in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Tauranga and Whangarei there's plenty of opportunities to get along and check him out.
Montecristo Comedy
After temporarily combining two of life's greatest pleasures last year - laughter and pizza - independent venue Montecristo Comedy will make its return just in time for the 2016 comedy fest. For its second outing, the pop-up venue handily located underneath prize-winning pizza restaurant Toto's, will play host to 21 slices of comedy gold featuring local favourites, emerging talent, and international visitors.
The Montecristo Opening Showcase will kick things off on Thursday 21 April featuring practically every stand-up comic performing over the venue's short duration: Wilson Dixon, Guy Montgomery, Guy Williams, Brendon Green, Tim Batt, Sanjay Patel, Matt Stellingwerf, Alexis Dubus, Eamonn Story, Tessa Waters, Jamaine Ross, Cohen Holloway, Sophia Johnson, Jerome Chandrahasen, and Kade & Jeremy.
Cori Gonzalez-Macuer
In his first show after becoming a father Cori Gonzalez-Macuer is back to the International Comedy Festival this year with a show that will leave you smirking for days, or at least for the walk back to the car. Always the first to highlight the cringe worthy moments of life, Cori takes no exception with his show this year as he pulls apart the current social culture of society in New Zealand. As he questions just what exactly should warrant a "celebrity" status within New Zealand these days, Cori tells Concrete Playground, "I'm dissecting people who want to be famous for no reason. Like the Bachelor. All the people I hope my daughter never becomes." With his cynical undertone and Cori's quick wit, this show is a festival must see, unless you're the Bachelor.
Urzila Carlson
Urzila Carlson has undoubtedly evolved in to one of New Zealand's top female comedians, even more so now that is she is a citizen of our fair land, but that doesn't mean she's become complacent in her writing for this festival's show. The mother of one who originally hails from South Africa spoke to Concrete Playground on her new show Unacceptable saying, "It's my favourite show yet and I'd like to share that with people and hopefully get a couple of people in that snort laugh. Also this year there will definitely be some nudity*." Urzila's show this year hits the deep issues of 2016… like when did it become unacceptable to like meat and impossible to process gluten. Known for her ability to have a whole room in hysterics with her undeniable synchronicity with any audience, if Urzila says it is her best show so far, it most likely will be. *There will be no nudity
Q Theatre
If you are seeing a few shows in Auckland, make yourself familiar with 305 Queen Street. Q Theatre is located right in the centre of the comedy hub and hosts four venues in the festival. Loft at the Q is located up the stairs to the left of the main Queen St entrance doors. Cellar is a pop-up venue at Q Theatre for emerging comedians in the festival. At the back of Q Theatre is Rangatira, the biggest of all four venues. Down the stairs to the right of Q Theatre is the Vault stage; Q's underground performance space. The venue also hosts its own café and bar Citizen Q where you can grab pre-show bite or carry on afterwards with a couple of beverages into the night.
The 2016 Billy T Award
Presented since 1997, The Billy T Award honours late comedy icon Billy T James and recognises up-and-coming New Zealand comedians with outstanding talent. The nominees for the 2016 Billy T Award were selected on their proven comedic ability, talent, dedication, current form, outstanding potential and the ability to induce consistent lols. They will be judged on all aspects of their individual shows at the 2016 NZ International Comedy Festival. The award presentation will take place at the close of the festival on Sunday 15 May, 2016.
This year's finalists include the star of 'How to fold a fitted sheet' - Alice Brine; almost famous Youtube sensation - David Correos; toddler trapped inside a teenager's body - James Malcolm; regular on TV3's Jono and Ben and Funny Girls - Laura Daniel; and unsuccessful 2015 Billy T nominee - Matt Stellingwerf.
Simon McKinney
Simon McKinney could just be New Zealand's best character impressionist which makes for reason number one as to why to see him this festival. From a brut Kiwi man to an elderly female, Simon's impressions are always spot on and form the funniest memories. Simon's enthusiasm and commitment to the New Zealand comedy scene is showcased in his ease and ability to command attention from a room while generating a genuine relationship with his audience quickly. Performing for two nights only in Auckland, Simon will take to the stage for his new festival show Special. Having recently voyaged far and wide through vast oceans on a cruise ship, Simon's knack for comedy is certain to be an overall festival favourite.
The Classic
The Classic is well known as the dedicated home of comedy and the heart of the comedy festival. This year you can expect not just the amazing local talent that is normally able to be seen at The Classic but also international headliners too. Located at 321 Queen Street hosting an intimate and secluded atmosphere, it's a great place to see favourites in close proximity.
Renee Lyons
In what the official magazine of the Edinburgh Festival called a "one woman power house", it's hard to overlook Renee Lyons or her comedy shown this year. Titled Tinderella the festival show of Renee is tipped to be raw yet ingenious as she finds herself no longer playing Tinder for the fun of it but as part of a serious life plan. This show is a shout out to anyone who has been on awkward dates, made terrible life choices, or just wants to laugh at another's misfortune to feel better about their own.
The New Zealand International Comedy Festival plays out from April 22 - May 15. See comedyfestival.co.nz for more information.