Last Laughs 2013!

Posted by Editor on May 20, 2013

It’s been three weeks of laughing ourselves silly and last night saw the final show of the 21st NZ International Comedy Festival. Last Laughs is a great way to catch some of the many highlights of the festival but it also plays host to the awards! Before the show there where some industry awards with Best Facial Hair going to Jamaine Ross, Best Auckland Newcomer to Tim Batt, Best Wellington new comer Sam Smith and Spirit of the Festival to Stuart Goldsmith. Best International went to the brilliant Tom Binns as Ian D Montfort! Then…

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Tim ‘Rosso’ Ross – Man About The House – Review

Posted by Editor on May 18, 2013

REVIEWED BY VIVIENNE LONG For the first time this renowned act crosses the ditch from Melbourne to Auckland. Showing in the modernist Donner residence in Titirangi, ‘Man About the House’ is an intimate show which comes alive within the wide glass walls of its iconic venue.The two storey house, built in 1947, with its winding, sloping grounds are open to the audience to explore in the show’s interval, at which point it’s enjoyably hard to believe you’re not simply at a mates house party. Comedian Tim ‘Rosso’ Ross fires through…

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Tom Binns As Ian D Montfort – Review

Posted by Editor on May 17, 2013

REVIEWED BY LIAM GOLDS Ian D Montfort stands onstage as the lights come up and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” blasts from the Q Loft speakers. Dressed like a new age primary school teacher, Montfort comes from the mind of British comedian Tom Binns. He recreates the sort of psychic entertainment that became immensely popular on TV about a decade ago. Think John Edwards of Criss Angel. It’s a setting overloaded with comedic potential. Montfort speaks softly, calling everyone lovely at every opportunity. This delivery only makes his more…

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Pax – Pax’s Magic Carpet Ride – Review

Posted by Editor on May 16, 2013

REVIEWED INGRID GRENAR Pax starts the show with a fun film clip of him getting the ‘voice of the people’ in Auckland. He asks them what their impressions are of the Middle East. resulting in some classic uncomfortable silences or random answers. This bit of citizen journalism shows Pax to be a playful comedian who could give some great ad lib with his hapless interviewees. After the video he introduces himself. Just so you don’t spend the hour going ‘what is he’ he tells us of his half Pakistani half Iranian…

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Tom Furniss – The Diary of Gordon Leaf-Cooper – Review

Posted by Editor on May 16, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Tom Furniss and The Diary of Gordon Leaf-Cooper explores the dark and sad life of a teenager in 1984. Fingers crossed for a happy ending for this mystery 16 year old? As if it was his density, Tom is handed this diary by an old lady in an Opp Shop. This surreal tale is read out during the show to various sad scores. Be it Adele, or the soundtrack to Edward Scissorhands, we are well and truly in a Tim Burton esque black comedy. Tom Furniss seems to have been born with an abstract thinking mind which is lucky for him as…

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Jimeoin – What?! – Review

Posted by Editor on May 16, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Jimeoin is a popular visitor to our comedy shores, which means that you may think he is comfortable and mainstream. In fact he is constantly surprising. He does fun, silly and original comedy as well as the surreal and edgy. Before the show my friend told me ‘he gives good facials’ and she wasn’t wrong. He Jokes about his mime skills but in fact his subtlety, movement and expressions form a core part of his act that enable him to perform at such a controlled and expert comedic pace. A stand out piece on its own…

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Clayton Carrick-Leslie – Let’s Be Honest – Review

Posted by Editor on May 16, 2013

REVIEWED BY BEN BLACKMAN Melbourne based comedian and part-time lawyer Clayton Carrick-Leslie has just moved in with his girlfriend. This has made him somewhat hungry but has also provided him a recipe for relationship material. During his performance, he delivered a lengthy but insightful poem that delved into the abyss that comes with incurable hoarder syndrome and managed to summarize the first three seasons of Downtown Abbey with a piano garnish. I have to admit, the Downtown Abbey segment was a bit lost on me but his impersonations were…

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Jarred Christmas – Lets Go MoFo! – Review

Posted by Editor on May 15, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Jarred Christmas has got some moves!! With the most energetic entrance of the festival I was pretty sure we were in for a good night. This returning Kiwi is now based in the UK so it’s a treat to see him in Auckland. He began with some fun audience interactions, including giving a guy in the front row about 12 nicknames. Christmas uses the majority of the show as a Q&A session as he invites the audience to ask him anything. After a hesitant start we get into the flow with some clever and quick answers from…

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Eli Matthewson – Proposition: Great! – Review

Posted by Editor on May 15, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Lots of male comedians spend their time on stage talking about their failures with women, and trying to get them in to bed. Eli talks about the exact opposite, how to avoid sleeping with a member of the opposite sex. Announcing at the start of the show that he is gay this Billy T Nominee starts his autobiographical tale. He is so instantly likable and performs with friendly warmth to his audience. Proposition: Great! explores his adolescence’s and night clubbing escapades in Christchurch. After eventually…

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The Boy With Tape On His Face – More Tape – Review

Posted by Editor on May 15, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR The Boy is back and if you haven’t seen his full show More Tape then here’s your chance. This huge international success has pleased audiences all around the world so it’s time for you to celebrate him in his homeland. This return season of  More Tape is sure to be a sell out! Many people will have seen something of ‘The Boy’ but not his full hour show. How different can it be? The show is packed with visual treats cleverly entwined into stories expertly timed to accompanying music. A great…

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Rose Matafeo – The Rose Matafeo Variety Hour – Review

Posted by Editor on May 15, 2013

REVIEWED BY INDIA HENDRIKSE The Rose Matafeo Variety Hour is exactly that− a whole bunch of variety. The quirky comedian exudes clumsiness and retro vibes when she stumbles onto the stage on roller skates. After a few moments of speaking though, Rose’s clumsiness disappears and is replaced instead by a very witty unflowery take on the world. Rose sets out to not take herself too seriously, and seems oblivious to the fact that she is outrageously funny. Her every action and sentence amplifies the audience with her awkwardness and sarcasm…

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KUWNZ Comedy Podcast – Episode 4

Posted by Editor on May 14, 2013

Well it’s the final week and we have some treats for you. Following his success at The Big Show and this years Comedy Gala, James Acaster from the UK talks about his show and how he got into comedy. We also have a powwow with Billy T Nominee Pax and last years Raw Comedy Quest winner Jamaine Ross. Listen and enjoy!   PRODUCED BY IAN WRIGHT AND INGRID…

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The Secret Policeman’s Ball – Review

Posted by Editor on May 14, 2013

REVIEWED BY BEN BLACKMAN Only moments before walking into the Comedy Chamber on Sunday night I had shaved off my beard, I then missed out on one of the many complimentary moustaches that were being offered at the door –damn compounding regret. This also made for an awkward moment later on, for at the closing of the show when the audience were asked to don these for a crowd photo, the closest thing I had was a pen – a lame effort on my behalf. This festival event in particular was designed as a fundraiser for Amnesty International and…

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Joseph Moore – Dope Ass Jokes – Review

Posted by Editor on May 14, 2013

REVIEWED BY LIAM GOLDS In his new show Dope Ass Jokes, Joseph Moore tries to figure out some of life toughest questions, such as what makes rappers cool. At 24, Moore is a rising star nominated for the Bill T Award. His topics reflect his age. There are shout outs to Jingle All the Way and the softcore porn that once littered early morning SkyOne. Moore dedicates a lengthy chunk of his set to a breakdown of a primary school sing-a-long. This isn’t to say that Moore’s humour won’t appeal to all audiences, but children of the 90’s will…

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James Acaster – Review

Posted by Editor on May 13, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR James Acaster is an unassuming looking guy but don’t be fooled by his meek appearance. He is totally sharp in both his delivery and ownership of his performance. Acaster is able, through his perfect pace and timing, to bring together a story while seamlessly examining every nook and cranny of it. He is totally in control. After only a few minutes on stage a lady in the audience is heard saying ‘genius’ after one of his jokes. This early assessment isn’t wrong. His set evokes full belly…

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Tim Batt -Tim Batt’s Unified Theory- Review

Posted by Editor on May 13, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Tim Batt put on some encore shows at the weekend, which was a bonus for me as I had missed his main run at the festival. His ‘Unified Theory’ takes us through the aspects of the world that are less than perfect. He has some brave material including poo stores and religion, so both ends of the spectrum then! Tim’s show is smoothly delivered with a youthful energy and enthusiasm that is infectious on it’s audience. His pace is somewhat relentless and his confidence is that of a seasoned…

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NZ International Comedy Festival Picks – Week 3

Posted by Editor on May 13, 2013

It’s the final week of the festival so if you still haven’t seen a show where have you been?? There is a great line up for the final week and still so much to see. Here are our picks for week three. A favourite at this years Gala, James Acaster is bound to sell out so get in quick to The Classic, 7pm every night this week. The Big Show is hosted by Mickey D (AUS) and features the very best of British stand-up comedy at this year’s Festival including; Stuart Goldsmith, Andrew Bird, James Acaster and Markus Birdman. See it…

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Raw Comedy Quest Final 2013

Posted by Editor on May 13, 2013

The Raw Comedy Quest is all about the new talent, the fresh meat and choice cuts of up and coming Kiwi comics. At last nights finals we had 11 new comics to welcome into our hearts. Lucky for me I was a judge along with comedians Stuart Goldsmith and Ro Campbell. We had a tough night ahead as overall the standard was brilliant! Master of Ceremonies was Mickey D who held the whole show together, and was fantastic all round as he kept the audience warmed up and ready for whatever came their way. This is a wonderful opportunity for all involved…

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Hedluv + Passman – Two Cornish Rappers and a Casiotone

Posted by Editor on May 11, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Hedluv + Passman are bringing something a little different to the NZ International Comedy Festival. Represented by Rhys and Rosie Darby,  who first watched them at the Edinburgh Festival, this is your chance to see the most original act of this years line up. Two Cornish Rappers and a Casiotone is  an hour of craziness that will unleash your inner rap star and get you head nodding and foot tapping at least, if not taking part in a full on line dance. This show is not about audience banter or interaction it’s…

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Arj Barker – Go Time – Review

Posted by Editor on May 10, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Arj Barker’s Comedy Gala performance left me in tears of laughter, so I couldn’t wait to hear more from him. This well known comedian is back in NZ with a new show for the NZ International Comedy Festival 2013. His show Go Time begun with a musical number. If Hugh Jackman can do it why not Arj? This unexpected start was a great warm up for the crowd. He has a laid back style on stage but his material is perfectly planned and well delivered. His stand-up has a real personal touch, which is expressed by this…

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The Medium Rare Comedy Showcase – Review

Posted by Editor on May 9, 2013

REVIEWED BY KANDEE – KANDEE TEIOTAATA-IOBU Despite the evenings sporadic bouts of rain the house is packed as the Medium Rare Showcase kicks off at Brooklyn Bar and Lounge. Stephen Witt, Nicole Steven and Jamaine Ross are joined by Gabriel Page, making up the quartet of amusement for the showcase. Gabriel Page opens introducing the acts as no longer being raw slabs of meat but medium rare cuts – hence the name of the show. He follows up with a few dubious, albeit harmonious ballads that had me looking at mowing the lawn and…

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Titty Bar Ha Ha – Review

Posted by Editor on May 9, 2013

REVIEWED BY LIAM GOLDS Set in the dark of a World War II burlesque bar. Titty Bar Ha Ha follows a night in the life of Hope and Gloria, two drunken, promiscuous and slightly psychotic dancers. The premise allows for an entertaining variety, as the pair share stories, perform songs and dance numbers, and join the audience in several games. The songs are a mix of pop favourites and new jokes, and the lyrics are jam packed with puns and wordplay. One show-stopping medley is actually performed as a kazoo duet, as Hope and Gloria burn through a…

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Greg Ellis – Vance Fontaine for Lovers – Review

Posted by Editor on May 8, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Appearing on stage in a white suit, red sequin shirt and sparkling teddy boy hair do, Greg Ellis is Vance Fontaine. He’s here on a mission. To tell us all about love through the expressive art of song! Fontaine, along with his hipster looking band the Peculiar Sensations, are capable of much more than their first impressions my imply. Let the musical majesty commence! Although the ’boutique audience’ wasn’t immediately convinced resulting in the opening number being titled ‘Love…

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James Roque is Chicken! – Review

Posted by Editor on May 8, 2013

REVIEWED BY KANDEE- TEIOTAATA-IOBU James Roque is Chicken! He has descended on Brooklyn Bar and Lounge for the Comedy Fest celebrations and what a descent it is. Originally wanting to name his set ‘James Roque is a Pussy!’ does not take away from the fact that James Roque has fears – and lots of them. Announcing his own entrance before getting his gangsta lean walk on up to the stage, rap beats a-blaring, James Roque looks more Yakuza than chicken. Yet this 21 year old  funny guy has accumulated a lifetimes-worth of fears, drawing on…

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Rob Lloyd – Who, Me. – Review

Posted by Editor on May 8, 2013

REVIEWED BY LIAM GOLDS Rob Lloyd is a Doctor Who fan. A very big one, in fact. The first five minutes of his new show Who, Me. consists entirely of Who in jokes and references. Needless to say, I was a little lost. But as the show continued, and after Rob helpfully ran through the who’s who, it became clear that the Doctor Who theme was just a framework for a charming story of one nerd’s coming of age. The stories of an alienated school kid’s awkwardness provide much fodder for cringe comedy. However Rob is far too good-natured to push…

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Dai Henwood – Adapt Or Dai

Posted by Editor on May 8, 2013

REVIEWED BY LIAM GOLDS Dai Henwood is back. His latest show, a celebration of humanity in all its glory, opened last night to thunderous applause at Auckland’s Q Theatre. Dai is New Zealand comedy royalty. His adoring fans cheered on as he ran out onstage under flashing lights, demonstrating some karate kicks. Rather than rest on past glories, Dai has allowed his material to age with him. Now a father, much of the beginning material deals with the changes he’s had to make upon reaching his thirties. Pregnancy, homeownership and…

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KUWNZ Comedy Podcast – Episode 3

Posted by Editor on May 8, 2013

In this weeks Comedy Podcast we caught up with Jarred Christmas and chatted about his Kiwi comedy roots ahead of his show Let’s Go MoFo! landing in Auckland 14 May. Eli Matthewson tells us about the meaning behind his show Proposition: Great! and Tom Gleeson  talks comedy influences and recommends some comedians at this years festival. It’s a Louis C K love…

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Urzila Carlson – The Long Flight To Freedom – Review

Posted by Editor on May 8, 2013

REVIEWED BY STEPH BEAN Following her hilarious set on TV3’s Comedy Gala, it comes as no surprise that Urzila Carlson’s shows at this year’s comedy fest have all sold out. To those lucky enough to have nabbed tickets – well done, you obviously have impeccable taste. The Loft at Q Theatre was packed out last night as Carlson ambled on-stage, starting off with a warning that her phone would be on all night as she’s expecting a text to say her partner had gone into labour! If doing a comedy show on your first-born’s due date isn’t…

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Gordon Southern – The Kerfuffle – Review

Posted by Editor on May 8, 2013

REVIEWED BY FAITH ASHLEIGH WONG After a successful run at last year’s festival, Gordon Southern is back in New Zealand with his trusty sound effects box and unique brand of edutainment-style comedy.  The Kerfuffle is a delightful hour of rapid fire stand up that is an absolute joy to watch. There is a whole lot that gets covered throughout the show.  Audience members are designated celebrity personas (with weird hobbies like taking photos of meat), he relentlessly pokes fun at British idiosyncrasies and we find out why he has forty…

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The Big Show 2013 – Review

Posted by Editor on May 7, 2013

REVIEWED BY BEN BLACKMAN Last night at the Auckland Town Hall’s Comedy Chamber I was entertained thoroughly by four Brits and one Aussie. This mob provided a superb night of comedy that included a number of candid anecdotes and some clever observational humour. The night was orchestrated by the solo Australian, MC Mickey D. Luckily the calibre of talent that he introduced was very worthy, or else he would have surely stolen the show. But more about that guy later. Stuart Goldsmith eased the crowd into the night pointing out his resemblance…

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Tom Gleeson – Review

Posted by Editor on May 7, 2013

REVIEWED BY IAN WRIGHT One of our picks of the week for NZ International Comedy Festival, Tom Gleeson, begun his run at The Classic on Monday. He left us feeling secure we had picked a good ‘un. Already a favourite on our screens this is a great opportunity to see the man at his best, on stage in a comedy club. This Australian comic covers everything from homophobia, relationships and fatherhood as well as having a good old poke at us Kiwis. Don’t get him started on made up rules or supermarket tongs! A…

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Wayne Brady – Still Makin’ Sh*t Up – Review

Posted by Editor on May 6, 2013

REVIEWED INGRID GRENAR Wayne Brady, and his stage companion Jonathan Mangum,  improvised their hearts out on the ASB Theatre stage last night. Their only performance in Auckland launched with a rap where Brady showed off some of his skills. Freestyling about flowers, the rap had to include random words given by the audience including taranchula, feminism and orange. A great warm up to what was to be a thoroughly humorous hour. Who would have thought that a hummus sales rep and Sesame Street’s Elmo would appear in the same show. This…

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Best of the Billys – Review

Posted by Editor on May 6, 2013

REVIEWED BY STEPH BEAN It’s safe to say that the winner of this year’s Billy T award will be in good company. The award, which recognises the talent of up-and-coming New Zealand comedians, has launched many a comedy career including those of household names Ben Hurley and Dai Henwood. ‘The Best of the Billys’, is an opportunity for past winners to showcase what earned them the award, and to show those young whippersnappers that they’ve still got lots of spark left in ‘em. The evening was hosted by Paul Ego, who took home the…

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NZ International Comedy Festival Picks – Week 2

Posted by Editor on May 5, 2013

Phew that was a mental first week of NZ International comedy Festival! So time to start planning week two. To help you chose what to see we have a picked out a few of our personal favs! Gordon Southern returns to the festival with The Kerfuffle.  Nominated for Best International Act in 2012 he’s bound to bring on the laughs for 2013 too. Check him out at The Classic Mon 6 – Sat 11 May, 7:15pm.     Kiwi favourite Dai Henwood asks us to Adapt Or Dai. This show is bound to be popular to get in quick for tickets. On at Q…

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Danny Bhoy – Dear Epsom – Review

Posted by Editor on May 5, 2013

REVIEWED BY FAITH-ASHLEIGH WONG Dear Epson… is quite different from Danny Bhoy’s previous shows but still has all the hallmarks of what fans have grown to expect and love at a his gigs.  After a fleeting too funny “too soon” Anne Frank reference and some friendly banter with the audience, Danny explains to the audience the story behind Dear Epson. A year ago, Danny purchased an Epson printer only to realize soon after that the ink required was more expensive than the printer itself.  Infuriated by this absurdity, an irate…

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Rainer Hersch’s Victor Borge – Review

Posted by Editor on May 5, 2013

REVIEWED BY BEN BLACKMAN In the words of one particular NZ advert/television personality, ‘here’s a tip’ – find a comedy festival schedule, pick an act and prepare for the unexpected. Those that like their comedy musical-flavoured really should take the opportunity to see British comedian Rainer Hersch, especially those who have enough chops to bang out ‘Chopsticks’. ‘Chopsticks’ is a waltz, a form of music that originated in the south of Germany sometime around the 16th Century. Excuse the informative whimsicality but this is…

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The Wayans Brothers – Review

Posted by Editor on May 4, 2013

The Wayans Brothers first visit to New Zealand bought the house down at the Bruce Mason Centre last night. A sold out crowd showed their appreciation and enthusiasm in tremendous proportions. There were whoops, cheers and fist pumps a plenty for these comedians best know for their films Don’t Be A Menace, White Chicks and the hugely successful Scary Movie 1 & 2. Warm up guy and overall master of ceremonies Wil Sylvince got the crowd going with a routine of smart observations and audience interactions. His stories of  travel and…

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Steve Hughes – Big Issues – Review

Posted by Editor on May 3, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Steve Hughes is back at the NZ International Comedy Festival for his show ‘Big Issues’ which he will perform in both Auckland and Wellington. If you missed him last year don’t make the same mistake twice as you will rarely see a comedian as edgy, clever, blunt and hilariously funny as this one. This self-exiled Aussie now resides in the UK. His disillusionment with his homeland makes for some brilliant observational comedy, as well as insightful social commentary. The ‘Big Issues’…

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Guy Williams – Guy Williams Has Won An Award – Review

Posted by Editor on May 3, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Winner of the 2012 Billy T Award Guy Williams is performing the only Koha show at the NZ International Comedy Festival. Already a favourite on our screens as part of Jono and Ben at Ten this is your chance to share some laughs and complementary water in the company of the man himself. Choosing as a comedy venue the Auckland Old Folks Association Hall, or Auckland Old Folks Ass. this was already a very individual type of gig. After ‘nailing’ some audience interaction Guy gets started on his show. A…

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James Nokise – So-So Gangsta – Review

Posted by Editor on May 3, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Half Welsh half Samoan James Nokise is somewhat of a social commentator in his show So-So Gangsta. This clever and insightful comic takes us on brief history or Aotearoa and discusses the role of gangs within New Zealand culture. Forget Ross Kemp this guy was there. This guy is real. This guy is ‘so so’ Gansta. Entering the Vault @ Q Theatre dressed in a tux he looks nothing like his show poster. I guess that’s the point, as this show is about judgements, stereotypes and perception. Addressing the…

Doctor Brown in Befrdfgth – Review

Posted by Editor on May 3, 2013

REVIEWED BY VIVIENNE LONG There’s no cure like comedy, and there’s no prescription like Befrdfgth. One of two shows presented by hilarious comedian and adept mime, Doctor Brown. Showing at the Herald theatre across four nights as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival, this is a performance not to be missed.   If you’re looking for something dark, different and absolutely gut wrenchingly funny this is the show for you. His costume, which could well have been dug up from the bottom of a beloved dress-ups box, is subtle –…

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Josie Long – Romance and Adventure – Review

Posted by Editor on May 2, 2013

REVIEWED BY SAM JEFFERY The Basement on Wednesday night played host to English comedian Josie Long and her show “Romance and Adventure”. On the second night of her week long run Long treated the audience to a thoroughly witty, sometimes surreal and enduringly funny set. The intimate nature of The Basement venue ensured that the audience was given the rather quirky opportunity of casually interacting with Long as she busied herself with pre-show banter. Anecdotes about climbing Mount Kenya for charity and the endless challenges of…

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Tom Green – Review

Posted by Editor on May 1, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Welcome to the cult of Tom Green. His disciples whoop, cheer and worship their leader. This counterculture hero is in New Zealand for the first time and man did his fans appreciate him! Walking on stage to raucous cheers and applause it felt as if Tom Green needed to do no more. However this talented and much loved comic played with his crowd and delivered wonderful clever social commentary. Reflecting on ‘how fast the world changed’ he dissected our obsession with social media and the digital…

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Dr Brown Brown Brown Brown Brown & His Singing Tiger – Review

Posted by Editor on May 1, 2013

REVIEWED BY DAVID JOHNSTON (WITH HELP FROM MAIA 4 YRS & TALI 3YRS) Dr Brown shows that kids comedy has a home at NZ International Comedy Festival. This show follows a day in the life of the anarchic Dr Brown whilst being serenaded by his singing tiger. Dr Brown is a clown but looks more like a slightly unhinged character from a Wes Anderson movie.     This one hour kids special features plenty of audience participation and physical comedy with a couple of stage invasions thrown in.  Silliness is the order of the day for this…

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KUWNZ Comedy Festival Podcast – Episode 2

Posted by Editor on May 1, 2013

This years NZ International Comedy Festival is well and truly underway. In this podcast we have caught up with International comedians Chris Martin, Elis James and Idiots of Ants. What are you waiting for? Get stuck in!     Have a listen and enjoy. Check out these guys performing at the festival.  Have  read of our dedicated NZ International Comedy Festival page for all the latest reviews. Go on start laughing yourself silly! PRODUCED BY IAN WRIGHT & INGRID…

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Terry Williams – The Grin Reaper – Review

Posted by Editor on May 1, 2013

REVIEWED BY BEN BLACKMAN It is early in the piece for the 2013 NZ International Comedy Festival and I was at the Brooklyn Lounge and Bar to see author/speaker/trainer and comedian Terry Williams perform his show ‘The Grin Reaper’. Maybe someone like Terry Williams is the missionary of the 21st Century? If my cross-over, composite of people imagination skills are accurate then I have witnessed something between the motivational chops of Anthony “Tony” Robbins and the cool of someone, say…Vanilla Ice maybe? I only say Vanilla Ice…

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David Ladderman – Battle of the Bastards – Review

Posted by Editor on May 1, 2013

REVIEWED BY LIAM GOLDS Variety performer David Ladderman brings to the Comedy Festival a one-man interpretation of King Lear Battle of the Bastards. Admittedly, it’s a bit of niche performance. A night of Shakespeare might be a turn off for some expecting some stand up. Thankfully, Ladderman knows this. His show is filled with a variety of means to keep the attention of those most likely to be scared off, from juggling to jokes. He keeps the focus is squarely on a single subplot and runs through it in a barebones, cliff notes style. Anything…

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Tom Rhodes – Review

Posted by Editor on May 1, 2013

REVIEWED BY Yvan J Drake Tom Rhodes performed the first stand-up show in New Zealand at the Classic last night for NZ International Comedy Festival. His hard-hitting fast off-the-bat comedy left the audience more than a little short of breath, as the general probing of less confident comedians was avoided, and this well-seasoned pro thrust us into his world of hilarity. It would be wrong on two levels to refer to this show with the cliché “Laugh a minute”… I’d have to have an inability to comprehend what this…

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Idiots of Ants – Model Citizens – Review

Posted by Editor on Apr 30, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Idiots of Ants, winners of the 2012 New Zealand Best International Show Award, are back! This crazy hour of sketch comedy is brilliantly performed by Andrew Spiers, Elliott Tiney, Benjamin Wilson and James Wrighton. How can I sum this up? What starts as a flatting interview turns into a show as the guys explain ‘this place comes with an audience’. Fourth wall? What fourth wall? From the offset you know you are part of the gang. This is a gang that you will want to be part of. Songs, swearing,…

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Chris Martin – Spot The Difference – Review

Posted by Editor on Apr 29, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Chris Martin is back in NZ following his success with ‘Chris Martin No Not That One’ in 2012. The Classic main room was packed out for this already popular festival comedian. Chris slightly swaggered on stage but not in an overly confident way. He had some great banter with the crowd and handled his audience well, even if they were interrupting. He is open and friendly and never offensive while still sounding in control. There is a positive energy from the offset. He kept a great pace throughout the…

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Classic Late & Live – Review

Posted by Editor on Apr 28, 2013

REVIEWED BY STEPH BEAN The NZ International Comedy Festival’s first Late & Live at The Classic began last night as Markus Birdman arrived onstage as our MC. He warned us about the upcoming use of strong language and encouraging us to be more creative with our own expletives. Birdman’s energetic and quick-fire performance was just what the crowd needed to get warmed up for the smorgasbord of local and international comedy talent that followed. The first act out was Billy T nominee Pax Assadi, a South Auckland newlywed whose jokes…

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Stephen K Amos – The Spokesman – Review

Posted by Editor on Apr 28, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Stephen K Amos returns to New Zealand as The Spokesman, albeit a reluctant one. His new stand-up show has this theme, but it’s one that he only loosely sticks to. He spends time getting to know his audience and warms up the laughs as he goes. He takes no prisoners and can handle anything thrown his way from the crowd. Following his fleeting comment on his sexuality at a gig a few years ago, the British media thought he would make a great spokesman for gay rights. His reluctant title of…

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AotearoHA – Next Big Things – Review

Posted by Editor on Apr 28, 2013

REVIEWED BY KANDEE TEIOTAATA-IOBU After its massive reception in 2012, AotearoHA – Next Big Things is back for 2013 NZ International Comedy Festival. A 10 strong line-up was handpicked by host Ben Hurley (with the support of NZ Comedy Trust). This brags just how well Ben knows his craft. First-up Irish born Alan McElroy draws upon a repertoire that considers the similarities between childbirth, Tasmanian Devils & Kylie Minogue. A cleverly produced set to warm-up the laughing gear. Alan was closely followed by Brendan Green who was guy…

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FanFiction Comedy – Review

Posted by Editor on Apr 28, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Retuning to the NZ International Comedy Festival is the popular FanFiction Comedy. They will perform every weekend at the Classic during the next three weeks. The Classic was packed  for the first show. The MC Joseph Harper briefly introduced the concept. Fan Fiction is when a fan of TV, Film, Comics etc write their own  stories inspired or based on the existing characters. FanFiction Comedy features comedians writing their own Fan Fiction and reading them out to the audience. This show features regulars Heidi…

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Elis James – Review

Posted by Editor on Apr 27, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR Welshman Elis James is a likable chap. A natural rapport with the audience means he tells his anecdotal tales like a friendly chat ,albeit an animated one. He adds flare with a melodic rhythm of language which makes him a performer, and not just the funny guy in the pub. Not afraid to get amongst it he leaps around, does the voices and acts out the scene. This is not to say he is overly theatrical. He is just a really great storyteller. Elis James brings his hour long stand-up show to New Zealand for the…

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Comedy Gala – NZ International Comedy Festival

Posted by Editor on Apr 27, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR & IAN WRIGHT We have lift off. The 21st NZ International Comedy Festival officially launched last night with 21 comedians at the annual Comedy Gala. Auckland’s Civic Theatre was packed out and ready to laugh its self silly. The master of ceremonies Jeremy Corbett kept the pace of the night going throughout. His routines covered marriage and parenthood while also giving us all a great insight into the mechanics of a drunk body. This is a marathon of a comedy show with each comedian getting only four minutes to…

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5 Star Comedy Preview 2013 – Review

Posted by Editor on Apr 26, 2013

REVIEWED BY INGRID GRENAR This year’s NZ International Comedy Festival kicked off with a preview of seven fantastic international comedians. The 5 Star Comedy Preview, which will tour New Zealand next week, is two hours of original, individual and clever stand up. The whole evening was held together perfectly by compère Stuart Goldsmith. A great host and comedian who managed to get the whole audience to have a cuddle! Each year The 5 Star Comedy Preview is one of the most eagerly awaited shows in the comedy festival calendar as it…

You can check out the first one below.

This gathering of social media enthusiasts was a huge success welcoming 220 people with drinks and pizza and a great opportunity to network and mingle.

The topic for March was ‘Public Relations and Social Media – using Twitter to chirp a brand’s tune’ with panelists; PR Pro Deborah Pead of Pead PR, Idealog Editor and journalist Hazel Phillips and Senior NZ Herald writer David Fisher who held an interesting discussion and took questions from the audience.

If you couldn’t make the event then you didn’t have to miss out as you could follow the # on Twitter #smcakl or watch a live stream.

With eight more events this year there will be lots to discuss and April’s topic has just been announced.

When Communities Go Bad will be the discussion on Wednesday 17 April 2013, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm @ Vodafone NZ, V.nue, 20 Viaduct Harbour Ave, Auckland

The SMCAKL website says,

“Join us for a journey into the dark side of social media as we take a look at how community managers and moderators deal with trolling, anonymous commenting and just general nasty stuff in the online world.

Our panel will feature expert guests from online news sources, major commercial Facebook communities and more, all sharing their war stories and tips on what to do when you find a troll under the bridge.

Roll in our now-regular Shiny New Thing segment and generously sponsored refreshments and, as always, you’re sure to drink something cold, meet someone new and learn something useful!”

The panel covering this emotive topic are;

Anna Connell – BNZ’s online community manager.

Across all of BNZ’s online platforms, if you’ve ever publicly commented about the bank online, Anna and her team have seen it, maybe cried in a corner but sucked it up and crafted a response to it. All this normally happens within 5 minutes and many times a month 24/7.

Chris Keall – NBR’s head of digital, and prolific technology business newsbreaker.

Chris revamped NBR’s lively comments section last September with new features to keep the trolls at bay. Chris also moderates the Q&A for the NBR’s live one-hour ‘Ask Me Anything’ sessions, where anyone can ask a prominent business leader or politician a question about, well, anything.

Michael Kooge – Breakfast newsreader and digital content editor for The Edge radio station (Mediaworks).

Michael’s grown the station’s online communities to a whopping 140,000 on Facebook and 48,000 on Twitter and he knows how to keep harmony when they start making noise.

Richard Irvine – NZ’s cricket’s shiny new digital and communications media man.

Most know Richard for managing Telecom’s online response team, with comments good, bad and sometimes ugly.

If you are interested in attending, have a love of all things digital media or simply want to learn more register at the #smcakl website.

The Social Media Club Auckland will run up to November 2013 on the third Wednesday of the month.

Here’s a taster of my review!

The magic of Mary Poppins has well and truly arrived in New Zealand and the opening night was nothing short of spectacular.

Arriving to a red carpet, the Civic Theatre looked primed for a special night and if dancing statues, bottomless hand bags and magical umbrellas aren’t special then I don’t know what is.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s smash hit musical brings us this much loved story which has been brilliantly adapted from the books by P.L Travers and the classic 1964 Disney film.

Most of us will have memories of Mary Poppins from the film with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke so this production will always have those to live up to.

However the stage production, first opened in 2004, has proven to be a worldwide success and now it’s New Zealand’s turn.

The story of the magical nanny who comes to help the Banks family at No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane features many of the films classic songs by the Academy Award winning Sherman Brothers, as well as additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

From the moment the curtain goes up you enter a spellbinding world. I believe the first gasp was at the wonderful set design which allows pieces to open, close, slide and lower from the roof. It reminded me of reading a popup book as a child and how you felt you could just jump inside. I was particularly impressed by the bank scene.

It’s wasn’t long before the toe tapping began as I was swept away by the infectious music that seems to be somehow an innate part of childhood.

The choreography by Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear is of course magnificent and all perfectly executed by this immensely talented cast. One particular number deserves a special mention for it’s especially complex routine, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is the best musical dance number I’ve seen!

Rachel Wallace and Matt Lee as Mary and Bert

Please visit Keeping Up With NZ  to read the full review and for more of what’s on in New Zealand!

Creative Sidekick has been busy building the new brand Keeping Up With NZ our new one stop culture shop for New Zealand.

I have been overwhelmed by the response and interest in this new site so I am so pleased with the results so far. It’s is so nerve racking trying new things but the buzz when they go well is indescribable.

Since we launched the new site in July we have featured a variety of events from the NZ International Film Festival to various theatre productions and other performing arts. Although I was covering events on my blog Keeping Up With The Grid I really wanted to make a New Zealand focused website and create a collaborate space for creatives.

I am letting KUWNZ grow organically and have been pleased with the results through social media channels so far. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter but we have yet to add content to our Youtube channel so watch this space!!

As we build our brand and relationships we hope to bring our audience lots of variety and lots more content. Although many think that this country moves pretty slowly I have to say that funnily enough it really is hard to Keep Up With NZ! Therefore we are always on the look out for other arts and culture enthusiast around the country who would like to join our little collective of culture vultures.

If you are interested then please do get in touch here.

So as we spring forward I can’t wait to see what the next season has to offer us.

Thanks for all the support so far!

Ingrid

Keeping Up With NZ is a group of arts obsessed culture vultures who love live music, comedy, theatre, movies, festivals and exhibitions as well as a great night out . We will keep our fingers firmly on the entertainment pulse of Aotearoa!

This new venture sees lots of local collaborations in order to succeed in bringing all the best entertainment and arts news and reviews.

Recent posts include:

• Krishnan’s Dairy – Indian Ink Theatre – Review
• Cabin In The Woods – Review
• NZTrio: Loft Series – Lightbox Review
• Bernie – Review
• Marley – Review

If you are interested in being involved in or what to feature in Keeping Up With NZ you can contact us here.

You can find us on Facebook and Twitter too!

Based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, MARY POPPINS, the world’s most magical musical arrives in New Zealand and lucky Auckland will get a chance to see this amazing show for a limited season!

The New Zealand production of MARY POPPINS comes direct from a sell out  Australian tour, and follows productions in London, New York, and Holland as well as as British and North American touring productions.

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher for Disney Theatrical Productions this is truly a show not to be missed!

“A roof-raising, toe-tapping, high flying extravaganza”
New York Daily News

“The music theatre event of the year”
The Sydney Morning Herald

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Call 0800 BUY TICKETS

Visit http://www.marypoppinsthemusical.co.nz

In Person Aotea Centre Box Office, Auckland or any Ticketmaster outlet

So even with this history and feeling that I know this great entertainer, I still didn’t know what to expect from his live show??

Last night Lenny brought his autobiographical musical journey to Auckland’s ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre in his one man show ‘Cradle to Rave.’

Photo from http://www.the-edge.co.nz

The show covers the huge part music has played in Lenny’s life. This very personal anecdote explores his influences, memories and the power music has had over him.

The show started a little late due to a delayed flight, but only moments after an impatient audience member shouted ‘Lenny you’re late and you know you are’ he was on stage. There was no need to worry about this expert performer as he made the audience his own within seconds, silencing our friendly heckler for the rest of the show.

To read the full review please go to Keeping Up With The Grid!

The winter solstice and Maori New Year, Matariki, set the perfect time for the Atamira Dance Company to showcase, KAHA Short Works 2012.

This varied programme features both new works and old favourites in a show intended to share the strength and diversity of these admirable dancers.

During the eight performances the audience is taken through an emotional and cultural journey, introduced by artistic director Moss Patterson.

Moss’s genuine passion, warmth and love for this art shines through in his performance, choreography and introductions. He really creates the community and spiritual feel that sets this show apart.

To read the full review go to Keeping Up With The Grid!

The evening began with excellent stand-up from Arj Barker, aka Dave from the Flight of the Conchords TV show, who got the crowd going and only slightly damaged the set. He was a great warm up who had the audience in hysterics over his paranoia of that one surviving germ not killed by the 99.9% Toilet Cleaner, creating visuals in my head of a Rocky esque germ working out under the lid of my loo!

He also commented on his literary taste with his love of Lord of the Rings and Peter Jackson, but not in the context you would expect. He is a confident but laid back comedian who was welcomed by the audience. Overall he was a great start to the show and his jokes are still making me smile as I write this. Unfortunately I failed to get a picture with him twice last night, firstly by just staring at him resulting in my walking in to another women, and secondly by tweeting too much to notice he had already left!!

Here is the slightly stalking picture I did get of Arj Barker!

On to the main event now, and the Town Hall erupted with woops and cheers as Jemaine Clement and Brett McKenzie walked on stage in silver jackets with their heads in boxes and they launched into the electro sounds of ‘Too Many Dicks On The Dance Floor’. A swift and impressive costume change (turning the tinned foil covered boxes around) lead them into their next tune, and the audience into the future, with the track ‘Robots’ where all the ‘humans are dead’.

This was the start of our journey with these two impressively talented musicians and comedians. Once de-boxed and primped by Matt, the tour hairdresser/soundman/tour instagramer (@mattdshane) they weaved their music around their crazy anecdotes of being ‘on the road’!

The Conchords can jump around sounds and genres, and do so extraordinarily easily, as they work their way through the instruments we see on stage including; maracas, a triangle and a wooden wazinator!!!  They were also joined on stage by cellist Nigel Collins, and Arj Barker returns for few guest appearances too!

Flight of the Conchords on stage at Auckland’s Town Hall along with Nigel Collins (PHOTO:Ian Wright)

To read the full review have a look at our sister blog Keeping Up With The Grid!