Overview
A whole lot of laughter is forecast for April and May as the 2015 Comedy Festival rolls into town. The line-up for the annual comedy showcase has been revealed and comes with an eclectic pack of performers including: a former Cirque du Soleil clown turned bad, naked magicians and the former frontman of a true blue Aussie band.
One the major talking points for this year’s run of events is US comedian Adrienne Truscott with her provocative show Asking For It. The one-woman show was inspired by the rise of rape jokes in stand-up comedy and her half-naked performance nails home the fact that the way someone dresses shouldn’t put them at risk of being raped; inbetween commentary from George Carlin, Louis C.K. and Robert De Niro, of course.
Continuing the birthday suit theme are a couple of gentlemen following in the footsteps of genital contortion show Puppetry of the Penis. The Australian nudists, and apparently the country's "biggest names in magic," will present a full-frontal illusion show The Naked Magicians.
A strange addition to the bill is a man by the name of Colin Hay, who once held down microphone duties for 'Down Under’ hit makers Men At Work. In between a solo music career, Hay tries his hand at comedy. His show Waiting For My Real Life recounts his time in the music industry and "a runaway love affair with alcohol".
Another act not shy of the spotlight is Red Bastard, a former Cirque du Soleil clown who has taken on a character described as "a dangerous, seductive comedy monster". Red Bastard's NZ appearance comes off a sold out run across the US, Europe and Australia.
Further highlights include The Mighty Boosh star Noel Fielding, Irish favourite Ed Byrne, as well as former Billy T Awards winners, an improvised musical about brain munching zombies, and a whole bunch of local and rising talent.
The festival will tickle funny bones in both Auckland and Wellington. See the full line-up and more details here. Buy tickets here.