Melanie's Recommendations For The New Zealand International Comedy Festival

The New Zealand Internation Comedy Festival is upon us, after a 3ish years hiatus. (There was one in 2021 but at greatly reduced capacity). It's such an amazing time of year for comedians, where they show off all of their hard work and deliver a one hour solo show. This is the thing we're most proud of. I'm bring my show 'Forget Me Not' to Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, but there are heaps of comics who I wanted to mention. Some I've probably forgotten, but have a peruse through the NZ International Comedy Festival Lineup and pick your favs! In no particular order...

Lana Walters - Big Mum Energy
​​(AKL ONLY)
Full disclosure. Lana is my best friend. But also, I don't make friends with people who I don't think are good at comedy. Lana is a powerhouse, and makes me laugh so much. Her new show is all about becoming a new mum, and has such amazing relatable material. Mums will love this show!

No Homo: Queer Comedy
(AKL, WLG)
If lineups are more your vibe, may I suggest No Homo. A huge lineup of amazing LGBTIQ+ comedians in a party-like atmosphere. It's on at 11pm, so a perfect late night show packed with talent. 

David Correos - Topsy Turvy
(AKL, WLG)
David is one of those comedians that I consider a 'must-see'. He's always pushing himself to put on an absolutely wild show. Often putting his body on the line for the sake of entertainment. He's the comedian that the comedians pour out of the green room to watch. He's also someone who works harder on his craft than anyone I know. 

All The Billy T Nominees
(AKL, WLG)
The Billy T Award nominees are always great to watch. They're fighting it out for an award, so you know they've put everything into their shows. Plus this years lineup of comedians are fire. Janaye Henry, Maria Williams, Jack Ansett, Gabby Anderson and Abby Howells. It's always fun to watch all 5 shows and have a guess at who you think is going to take it out! 

Kura Turuwhenua - Hōhā Guy
Kura is making her Comedy Festival solo show debut after winning the Raw Comedy Quest and storming it ever since. She's so smart, and talented way beyond her years. I always love seeing people's first shows, it's an outpouring of their entire career of work and I know she will crush it. She's performing at Te Pou Theatre, a kaupapa Māori performing arts venue in Henderson. Get around it!

Anne Edmonds - Why is my bag all wet?
(AKL ONLY)
I remember the first time I went to an Anne Edmonds show. I was blown away. I told all my friends about it and they were like "Eddo? Duh, you're late to the party. She's amazing.".She's one of my favourite performers to watch, so funny. She's always a sell out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, I know you'll love her. 

Nazeem Hussain - Hussain That?
(AKL ONLY)
Nazeem is also one of my lovely friends. He's had massive success in Australia, with his own TV shows and sell out tours. Plus he's got a special out on Youtube, so you can try before you buy! I don't think you need to though, trust me, he's great. 

Josh Thomson - Horrible Man
(AKL, WLG)
I cannot wait to see Josh's show. He's one of my funniest friends. Also, I used to watch him on 7 Days before I did comedy and was always so stoked when he was on the panel. He's someone who you might think is chaotic, but I can assure you, no one spends more time perfecting the chaos than Josh Thomson. This hour is going to be TIGHT. 

James Mustapic - Into the Multi-Media Verse
(AKL, WLG)
James often shows me his shows over Zoom before taking it in front of an audience. He's a perfectionist and a ridiculously hard worker. His shows are a spectacle of multi-media, with videos and tech interactions to ensure you never get bored. This show is his most ambitious yet, and I love it. 

Frankie McNair - Relax Your Knees
(AKL ONLY)
Best Newcomer 2022 winner Frankie McNair is a marvel to watch. Frankie is going to be a star and you get the chance to see them before a meteoric rise to fame. I'm calling it now. 

Grace Jarvis - This Is The Last Goldfish That I Am Going To Eat For You
(AKL, WLG)
I want to see this show just based on its name alone. Grace is actually technically a New Zealander despite living in Australia, and always has such a funny perspective on life. Again, you gotta see her before the masses catch on and its impossible to get a ticket. 

Ray O'Leary - Everything Funny All The Time Always
(AKL, WLG)
Wait, who put this guy on the list? How did he get on here? What the fuck is going on! Go see my friend Ray, as much as it pains me to admit he is very good at comedy. He also got nominated for Best Newcomer this year in Melbourne.