The 2021 NZ International Comedy Festival is on. You want to see some shows. But holy shit - where to begin? I get to see heaps of comedy (#blessed) so have tried to make the choice a little easier for you. Here’s my recommends for today, sorted in categories of LOCAL, TAKE A PUNT, and THE BIG SHOW for Auckland and Wellington.
WELLINGTON
LOCAL
Gabby Anderson (CHEAPER BY THE HALF DOZEN), 7pm @ Cavern Club
It's Wellington native Gabby's first solo hour and she won the NZ Raw Comedy Quest in 2018 which is a massive competition for new comics - Winning is a big deal! Gabby has a real on stage magnetism, she's a teacher so you're in the hands of not only a very funny woman but someone who knows how to capture and hold a crowd for an extended period.
Tickets
TAKE A PUNT
Charlotte Glucina & Katie Hill (HORNY AND CONFUSED 2 - THE SECOND CUMMING), 7:30pm @ BATS
Full disclosure, I haven't seen Charlotte and Katie perform but this show looks fantastic and they were nom'ed for Most Promising Emerging Company at last year's Auckland Fringe Awards. Take a punt and go support em, I reckon it'll be a hella good time!
Tickets
THE BIG SHOW
Two Hearts (WE'RE PREGNANT AND THE BABY IS MUSIC), 7pm @ San Fran
I cannot speak highly enough of Two Hearts. Every year Joe and Laura somehow create an entirely new spectacular show with not only the most hilarious songs you'll hear all year but the tracks are also super slickly produced catchy pop bangers. They are a national treasure and their shows are a guaranteed good time.
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AUCKLAND
LOCAL
Hannah Campbell & Natalie Samy (HYSTERIA), 7pm @ Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen
Hannah's a Scottish kiwi with a lovely lilt and the classic gift-of-the-gab you'd associate with any highlander. She's a bit of a hidden weapon of the Auckland comedy scene and consistently high grade at every show.
Natalie is a hilarious, high energy kick in the pants who is just as ready to call attention to racist kiwi attitudes as she is sharing stories about guys who've eaten her ass.
Put together, this show promises to be a huge amount of laughter for your ticket price from some seasoned pro's you might not have seen before.
Tickets
TAKE A PUNT
Sera Devcich (GENERAL ADMISSIONS), 6:30pm, The Classic
Sera is not take-a-punt for me because I've been watching her destroy at comedy gigs for years but you might not know her - YOU SHOULD. Sera's relatable, just-the-right-amount-of-grubby and a fantastic comedian. Parents in particular will get a lot out of this show cause Sera is a mum of two but truly, she's got something for everyone.
Tickets
THE BIG SHOW
Paul Williams (IN THE MOONLIGHT), 6:30pm @ Basement Theatre
Paul is a frustratingly gifted performer and has his full range of comedy chops and musical talents on display for this show. You will laugh, you will cry, you will fall in love with this man. I heard the titular song for this show performed recently and I laughed till I was dizzy.
Tickets