It's Happening, Man

Media Alert
For immediate release

The NZ Comedy Trust presents
The 2011 New Zealand International Comedy Festival

April 29 – May 22

IT’S A HAPPENING, MAN!

The 2011 NZ International Comedy Festival is fast approaching, with it’s hallowed opening night event the Visa Comedy Gala kicking off proceedings in Auckland on April 29. With 100 shows in Auckland and 60 in Wellington, this year is going to be epic!

Hosted this year by Arj Barker (US), and featuring a cavalcade of comedians both local and international, Arj also heads to Wellington to host Visa First Laughs on May 1, marking the start of the comedy season in the capital.

But before you curse J.A.F.As and Wellingtonians – fear not New Zealand, we are spreading the love. Or laughter, as it were. Jarred Christmas (NZ) leads the Comedy Convoy from May 16, playing 12 shows in 11 cities with his gang of jokers – Carey Marx (UK), Felicity Ward (AUS), Rhys Mathewson (NZ) and The Boy With Tape on His Face (NZ).

Le Comique is a sultry, risqué revue making its debut at this year’s Festival. Featuring Marcel Lucont (FR), Justine Smith (NZ), Lili La Scala (UK), The Boy With Tape on His Face (NZ), Jamie Bowen as Munfred Burnstein (NZ) and more, Le Comique is a little bit of naughty for 2011 audiences.

Also a first at this year’s Festival is the Creative Comedy Initiative. This exciting new grant sees the NZ Comedy Trust choose two shows every year that are pushing the boundaries of innovation in comedy. The inaugural recipients of this grant (of up to $10,000 each) are Billy T Award winner Steve Wrigley (NZ) with Kevin: The Musical and Jamie Bowen (NZ) with Munfred Bernstein’s Cabinet of Wonder.

As usual, all the Festival favorites are ready and accounted for – SKYCITY Gastrocomique, Class Comedians, Stand-up for Kids, Late Laughs, Best of the Billys and the prestigious Last Laugh, where the Festival’s big awards are announced – the Billy T Award and The FRED.

Tickets for this year’s Festival go on sale to the public Monday 21st March 2011, and a comprehensive list of all the shows this year can be found at www.comedyfestival.co.nz

ENDS

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