(PR.co.nz) NZ International Comedy Festival – Auckland / Wellington
23 April – 16 May 2010
Kiwis are getting ready for three weeks of side-splitting laughter, as New Zealand transforms into comedy central for the annual NZ International Comedy Festival.
The festival – which is held simultaneously in Auckland and Wellington – features a diverse range of international and local comedians, many of whom are on return visits to New Zealand.
Festival director Kylie Aitchison said he was delighted that the recent Icelandic volcano eruption had not affected visiting international comedians, with all but one act going ahead as planned in the programme.
The 2009 festival drew record crowds of well over 73,000 fans in Auckland.
“This year’s festival promises to be even bigger, with a programme packed full of the funniest and most talented comedians from across NZ and around the world, uniting to make you laugh,” said Aitchison.
Crunchie Comedy Gala
The 2010 NZ International Comedy Festival kicks off with the Crunchie Comedy Gala on 23 April, dubbed ‘night of a thousand laughs’ as it gives the public exclusive previews of the comedians who will be performing throughout the festival.
The gala this year is hosted by award-winning Australian TV personality and comedian Rove, who headlines the one-hour show, which will also be filmed for local television channel TV3.
Other festival highlights include Australian comedians Jimeon and Heath ‘Chopper’ Franklin, UK ‘occult’ comedian Andrew O’Neill, young British entertainer Chris Cox, as well as some of New Zealand’s top comedians including Mike King, Irene Pink, Simon McKinney, Dai Henwood and Ewen Gilmour.
A travelling convoy of select Kiwi comedians will travel the country after the main festival to visit other parts of New Zealand.
Background: NZ International Comedy Festival
This year marks the 18th year of the NZ International Comedy Festival, an event that features 250-plus local and international acts in more than 100 shows in Auckland and Wellington.
The 2009 NZ International Comedy Festival drew record crowds in Auckland, numbering well over 73,000 people. The festival starts with the televised Comedy Gala, usually held at the Auckland Civic Theatre – and concludes with Last Laughs, an awards showcase.
Media Release 23 April 2010 from newzealand.com