A first look at the NZ International Comedy Festival line-up
Image: Aunty Donna.
The end of summer isn’t usually something to look forward to, but the NZ International Comedy Festival powered by Flick Electric Co. is making us wish it was coat weather already with the announcement of this year’s stellar line-up.
The season of laughs begins on the 22nd April with the Flick Electric Co. Comedy Gala at the ASB Theatre in Auckland, and Flick Electric Co. First Laughs in Wellington (Sunday 24 April at the Opera House). Both shows will be hosted by Rhys Darby and feature a tasting platter of the festival’s diverse local and international acts.
The full programme reads like that of a truly world-class comedy festival, with top talent from the UK, Ireland, America, Canada and Australia confirmed for the season, interspersed with returning festival favourites and local up-and-coming acts.
From the overseas contingent, we’re particularly excited about British comedian Beth Vyse’s critically-acclaimed “bodacious and ballsy” take on her battle with breast cancer; Irish comedian Jimeoin’s sedate observational wit; Aussie trio Aunty Donna’s surreal sketch show and the return of the ever-intelligent, exceptionally British James Acaster.
What’s become known as the alternative Gala, this year Metro is a proud sponsor of Le Comique (Sunday 1 May at SkyCity Theatre), where a wonderful range of comedy styles can be experienced in one go, hosted by French flaneur Marcel Lucont and accompanied by Red Bastard (US), George Egg (UK) and The Fan Brigade (NZ), with more to be announced.
There’s also local talent by the bucket load, from the 2016 Billy T Award nominees to TV show regulars such as Urzila Carlson, Rose Matafeo, Rhys Darby and Ben Hurley.
For the full programme visit comedyfestival.co.nz, and get excited about that winter coat.
