Overview
Laughter will sweep the nation this May as the 2019 NZ International Comedy Festival lands for its 27th year. More than 120 shows are set to take place between Auckland and Wellington with comedians representing 14 countries.
Not your average roll call of comedians, this year's program includes everything from late-night improv to meme-inspired sketch shows, Dungeons & Dragons adventures and the best play that Shakespeare never wrote. The ribbon will be cut on the festival with comedy galas in Auckland (2 May) and Wellington (5 May), hosted by Melbourne comic Rhys Nicholson.
From across international waters comes Lauren Pattison with her show 'Peachy', Australian stand-up Demi Lardner in her NZ debut, Paul "Sinnerman" Sinha from The Chase, the UK's James Acaster, and Ireland's 'one to watch' Eleanor Tiernan with her show 'Sex Without a Sex Tape'.
The local lineup includes 2018 Billy T Award winner Melanie Bracewell with a brand new show, Chris Parker after winning the best NZ show in 2018, plus Two Hearts with their baby boomer-friendly winery show, boundary-pushing comedian David Correos, satirical media show White Man Behind a Desk, Urzila Carlson in 'Token African' and Hamish Parkinson with his mother Lynette.
In addition to solo shows, the festival will play host to special showcase events, including a stand-up extravaganza for kids, and Last Laughs, a celebratory showcase of the best of the festival with the Billy T and Fred Award nominees performing on the night.