Category Archives: Comedy

NZICF 2013: Idiots of Ants – Model Citizens

Posted by faithashw in Comedy, Review and tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

Idiots Of Ants

If you’re looking to venture beyond the regular stand up routines and experience some alternative comedy at this year’s festival, I have three words for you: Idiots of Ants.  Their show is a riotous and action-packed hour of fast-paced sketch comedy and the best part is we get to be a part of the fun too!

Model Citizens is a mad barrage of hilarious short stories presented by Andrew Spiers, Elliott Tiney, Benjamin Wilson and James Wrighton, who are the talented foursome that make up Idiots of Ants.  As soon as the show kicks off the Fourth Wall is torn down with the first short story – a prospective flatmate who loves the place except for the fact that the flat comes with an audience.

The rest of the show carries on in this comedic vein.  Each skit is excellently written, masterfully crafted and superbly performed.  There are musical magazines, conversations at gunpoint and a casual game of toss-the-baby – and of course an expected encore of the comical “hens night gone wrong” skit which they performed at the Comedy Gala.  The boys are skilled performers and have great command of the stage, transitioning between each skit quickly and seamlessly.

There is no one stand-out sketch as they are all brilliant in their own right but a fully grown man dressed as a baby and swearing like a sailor truly is quite a sight to behold!  The very funny “the man who took the audience to dinner” pseudo-love song was another favorite of mine.  Yes, they can sing too!

It’s no surprise these boys won the NZICF Best International Show Award last year as they are, put simply, a class act.  Model Citizens is a definite must see – it’s extremely clever, wildly entertaining and just so much fun!  An outstanding hour of improv that is best experienced live.

The Whimsical Banana rates Model Citizens: 5/5 bananas!

Just 3 chances left to catch this fantastic sketch group in action at the fabulous Rangatira at Q so don’t miss out – get in quick!  Click here for tickets.

NZICF 2013: Stephen K Amos – The Spokesman

Posted by faithashw in Comedy, Review and tagged with , , , , , , , ,

Stephen K Amos

If you are in to stand up comedy, Stephen K Amos needs no introduction.  He is a household name in the comedic circuit and there is a reason for it – he is bloody good at what he does!

Stephen is back with a new show this year – The Spokesman – which comes from not only a passing comment that he would make a good spokesperson but more interestingly it also happens to be an anagram of his name.   He doesn’t make too much reference to this however; instead he focuses more on heroes and role models and this is a recurring theme which gets interspersed throughout the show amidst his usual style of sharing his observations and personal experiences.

Throughout the hour, we learn about the time he met the Queen, his fear of water and why he believes Jesus is a comedian – to name a few.  Most of the stories were actually ones he had shared in his previous show and though they were just as funny to hear again, I do wish we got to hear more new material!

He also spends a fair bit of time poking fun at our neighbors across the ditch which naturally sat very well with a Kiwi audience.  Comedians are generally really good at mimicking accents but I’ve always marveled at how particularly adept Stephen is at them, particularly the Australian accent.

Stephen’s greatest strength is his innate ability to establish a wonderful rapport with his audience which he uses to his full advantage and incorporates seamlessly into his set.  The show soon becomes much like an open forum with Stephen asking questions, conducting experiments and welcoming feedback from the crowd.  You don’t often find an audience at a comedy gig so willing to be “picked on” but in this show it felt like people were competing to be heard – at one point even audience members started heckling other audience members!

Stephen K Amos truly is a well seasoned veteran and an absolute master at his craft.  The Spokesman has the same “feel good” quality that is very signature Stephen K Amos and is off-the-cuff comedy at it’s very best.

The Whimsical Banana rates The Spokesman: 4/5 bananas!

Stephen K Amos is performing at the Rangatira at Q until Saturday May 4th.  For tickets, click here.  He will then perform just the ONE show at The Opera House in Wellington on May 5th – click here for tickets.

NZICF 2013: Elis James

Posted by faithashw in Comedy, Review and tagged with , , , , , , ,

Elis James

Elis James is not only a top notch comedian, he is the consummate storyteller.  And the reviews are all true – this lovely Welshman really is one of the most likeable comics around.

There is a lot to love and laugh about in this hour-long show.  Elis’ friendly persona coupled with his wonderfully animated style of storytelling make him an absolute joy to watch.  Over the course of the show, we are treated to a myriad of hilarious anecdotes from getting “song raped” to that one time he had a brief but eventful connection with One Directions’ Harry Styles.

Each tale is structured superbly and delivered flawlessly but what really takes it to the next level is the accompanying comical re-enactments and the odd song and dance which are slipped in at just the opportune moments in the narrative.  This performance element adds a whole new layer of comedy and entertainment to an already outstanding set.

As the show progresses, each story becomes increasingly funnier and more ludicrous that it’s almost too good to be true.  Yet Elis recounts them with such authenticity and conviction that you are completely captivated and buy in to what he is telling you – the mark of an exceptional raconteur.

I cannot recommend this show enough – the material is delightfully witty, highly engaging and funny as hell.  Ellis makes being a stand up comedian absolutely effortless.  Another fantastic and super talented up-and-comer everybody should have their eyes on.

The Whimsical Banana rates Elis James: 5/5 bananas!

Elis James will be performing at The Classic Studio until May 11th (not the 5th).  For tickets, click here.

Due to popular demand, Elis has added an extra show on Saturday May 11th at 5:30pm!

NZICF 2013: Chris Martin – Spot The Difference

Posted by faithashw in Comedy, Review and tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

Chris Martin - Spot the Difference

If you’ve ever wondered how you win at yoga or if you think pugs are not real dogs, Chris Martin’s original brand of dry and witty observational comedy is sure to hit the spot.  Returning to New Zealand after his debut in 2012, Chris is back on our shores with a brand new show.

Throughout the hour, Chris shares with us a whirlwind of anecdotes which mostly center around his anxieties (like finding mangoes intimidating) and slightly morbid obsessions, like how he would react if he ever got attacked and also how he’d like to die.  He is an accomplished comedian whose material is intelligently written, captivating and dripping with cynicism yet you will leave feeling anything but jaded.

I was most impressed by his confidence and effortless command of both the stage and the crowd.  Even a confused whispering audience member whose phone subsequently rang didn’t faze him – he took it in his stride and handled it brilliantly, as if it was all part of the set.  He has a natural charm and friendly disposition which is evident through his regular interactions and banter with the audience.

His ability to inject humor into just about anything is what makes this such an excellent and enjoyable show.  He tends to dip in and out of stories and go off on tangents – I wondered if we would ever find out what the deal was with that teapot! – but he does so masterfully; all the time holding our attention with ease, keeping us hooked and wanting more.

Spot The Difference is loads of fun, endlessly entertaining and genuinely very funny.  Chris is definitely one to watch as he is undoubtedly one of the rising stars in the comedy circuit.  I already cannot wait for his next show!

The Whimsical Banana rates Spot The Difference: 5/5 bananas!                                                                                                                                            

Chris Martin is performing at The Classic until Saturday May 4th (click here for tickets) before heading to Wellington where he will be performing at The San Francisco Bathhouse from May 7th (click here for tickets).  He is also part of this year’s Comedy Convoy which kicks off May 13th.

NZICF 2013: Comedy All Stars – First Night at the BMC

Posted by faithashw in Comedy, Review and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Comedy All Stars

This year’s ensemble comedy night at the Bruce Mason Centre was a “best of the British” affair and boy was it an absolute cracker!

Stuart Goldsmith, the  “dirty – but in a good way” compère was loads of fun and effortlessly kept the audience not only well and truly entertained but in high spirits (and hysterics!) throughout.  His charm and charisma is truly infectious – very disappointed that he is not doing a solo show!

Kicking things off was Welshman Elis James who regaled us with hilarious stories about a drunken couple at a wedding and the time he was a one-song-wonder Christmas caroler.  His seamless ability to tell a bloody good story – which includes amusing re-enactments – coupled with his likeable persona will leave you wanting more. 

Up next was the affable Andrew Bird who kept the audience hooked with his animated slice-of-life anecdotes.  His tales ranged from family life involving his “pet human” to dealing with vague cooking measurements (I will never read “knob of butter” the same again!) to my personal favorite – his failed attempt at being not at home at home.

Markus Birdman brought along a slight change in energy with his more edgy style of comedy.  His material is a little on the crass side so is not for everyone but if you are not easily offended, he is an entertaining act.  Talking candidly about sex, relationships and neo-Nazi fashion, he leaves no stone unturned.

After the interval, James Acaster takes to the stage.  He really impressed me at the Comedy Gala so was very keen to see more!  Do not be fooled by the understated demeanor and deadpan style – he is sharp as a tack.  His set is self-indulgent but not in an arrogant way and is incredibly witty and delivered impeccably.

Closing the show is Chris Martin, another favorite of mine from the Gala.  He easily captures and holds the audience’s attention as he relays his jaded perspective of every day things.  His material is deliciously cynical but oddly compelling and easy to relate to.  And most importantly, it’s funny as hell!

Most if not all of these superb acts are performing again at the BMC this coming Saturday (May 4th).  If you are looking to get some laughs this weekend, look no further!  To buy tickets and for more details, click here.

You can also catch them at The Big Show which runs weeks 2 and 3 of the festival – click here for details.

The Whimsical Banana rates Comedy All Stars: 5/5 bananas!

NZICF 2013: Comedy Gala

Posted by faithashw in Comedy, Review and tagged with , , , , , , ,

Comedy Gala 2013

And we’re off!  The New Zealand International Comedy Festival officially launched on Friday night with the inaugural comedy gala.

This year marks the Comedy Festival’s 21st year and I couldn’t think of a better venue to commemorate this milestone than at the majestic Civic Theatre.  Hosted by comedy veteran and 7 Days host Jeremy Corbett, the gala was a laughs aplenty marathon featuring a stellar lineup of 21 local and international comedians.

With just four minutes to impress us and form a lasting impression, Corbett likens the night to speed dating which is a great way to describe it!  For the comedy-uninitiated, the gala provides the perfect tasting plate for what is on offer during the festival for the next three weeks.

From gripes about how we rely on smartphones for everything to taboo toilet humor to a skit about a hen’s night gone wrong, there was plenty to laugh about!  A stand out for me was Chris Martin who I thought did a brilliant set – I will never look at pugs the same way again!  Newcomer James Acaster had the crowd sold from the word “apricots”; I thought his low energy set was an unexpected but welcome change of pace – I really enjoyed his unassuming yet incredibly witty style of comedy.

The locals were natural crowd favorites using good ol’ colloquial Kiwi humor to tickle our funny bone.  And of course no gala will be the same without New Zealand’s claim to fame in the comedic world, the wonderful The Boy with Tape on his Face!  He did one of my personal favorite bits from More Tape and I was delighted to see that there have been a couple of tweaks since last year’s season.

If you didn’t manage to get a ticket and are gutted you missed out, don’t fret!  The event was filmed and this will be broadcast tonight (Sunday) at 8:35pm – or 9:35pm if you have TV3 +1!

I would also like to take this opportunity to plug the TV3 People’s Choice Award.  This award coincides with a very cool competition with an über awesome prize – all you have to do is vote for your favorite local comedian – and you and a friend and the comedian you voted for could be headed to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival!

It’s going to be a busy and laugh-filled next few weeks and I’m looking forward to every minute of it!  For dates, tickets and all things NZICF, head on over to www.comedyfestival.co.nz

Go on, New Zealand.  It’s time to Laugh Yourself Silly!

Counting Down to the NZICF…

Posted by faithashw in Comedy and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

NZICF 2013

It’s that time of the year again!  In just under 3 weeks, the very best of local and international comedic talent will be tickling our funny bone and I for one cannot wait!

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival kicks off on the 26th April and as always the line up is looking fantastic.  I am disappointed that a few of my favorites will not be here this year, namely Marcel Lucont, Mark Watson, Jason Byrne and Chris Cox, but in saying that there are plenty of new names that I’m keen to check out as well as ones that were here last year that I didn’t manage to get to.

Unlike last year, this year I am being super organized with who I want to see and have already plotted dates for most – am trying to fit in as much as I possibly can!  That said, here are the acts on the top of my list:

I am most excited about…

Danny Bhoy Stephen K Amos The Boy With Tape On His Facejpg

I’m extremely stoked that my “first comedy love” Danny Bhoy is back this year and I don’t doubt Dear Epson will be brilliant and full of hilarious anecdotes as always!  Also looking forward to the superb Stephen K Amos and his new show The Scotsman and of course I cannot wait to relive the phenomenal silent show that EVERYONE should see – More Tape – by someone I feel so privileged to know, the super talented The Boy With Tape On His Face!

I am looking forward to…

Gordon Southern Chris Martin Idiots Of Ants

Last year I really enjoyed Gordon Southern and Chris Martin but only managed to see them as part of an ensemble show so these two excellent comedians are definitely on my to-see list!  I was also really gutted I missed out on the entertaining sketch comedy antics of the Idiots of Ants so am happy they are back this year too.  Thanks for returning, guys!

I am keen to check out…

Jack DeeWayne Brady Dan Nightingale

Super pumped that Jack Dee, Wayne Brady and Dan Nightingale will be at this year’s festival as their respective styles of comedy are my favorite kinds of stand up!

I am also planning on seeing…

Arj Barker Tom Gleeson Urzila Carlson

I have seen Arj Barker, Tom Gleeson and Urzila Carlson so many times on TV I think it’s about time I see these top notch comedians in the flesh!

And last but not least this year’s Billy T nominees – Eli Matthewson, Joseph Moore, Pax, Rose Matafeo and Tom Furniss.

Billy T Nominees Eli Matthewson Joseph Moore Pax Rose Matafeo Tom Furniss

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Billy T Jams/ comedy festival program launch at Q back in February (thanks Spencer!) and so I got a taste of what these newbies to the comedy scene have in store for us.  They are a talented bunch with great potential – am definitely looking forward to checking out their full shows.

Snippets from their spots at the Billy T Jams can be found on the Comedy Festival YouTube page.  I would also strongly recommend heading to Keeping Up With NZ and checking out this awesome podcast featuring the nominees.

The above mentioned are of course only the tip of the iceberg.  There are a ton more comedians that are on my to-see list, and of course let’s not forget the Comedy Gala, Le Comique and Last Laughs… Looking forward to the laughs!!

To find out more about the above comedians’ shows, click on the pictures for show details but for the full line up of this year’s comedy festival, head on over to the NZICF website.  Get ready to Laugh Yourself Silly, Auckland (and Wellington) – it’s going to be epic!

*Picture credit to comedyfestival.co.nz

The Listies Do Compooters: A Mad Take on that Interweb Thingo

Posted by faithashw in Comedy, Review, Theatre and tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

It was my first foray in to attending and reviewing a kid’s show but I was excited and really keen to see this award-winning smash hit duo from across the ditch in action.  Described as “deliberately raucous, rude and very, very funny”, it already indicates that it is not a kid-exclusive show but one that can be easily enjoyed by adults as well.

Meet Rich and Matt.  Rich is the serious and responsible one while Matt is mischievous, playful and likes dreaming of LOLCats.  They have created a show all about “compooters” which was meant to be performed inside a brand new computer but Matt broke it when he put cheese inside the DVD drive because he thought the mouse was hungry.  This is the brand of humor that you can expect to be dished out along with accompanying colorful props, a host of pop culture references and gags aplenty in this manic and hysterical show.

The stage, which houses a giant computer monitor, USB drive (“Uninteresting Stuff & Bits”) and a strategically placed recycle bin, is the duo’s playground for comedic lists as well as fun adventures.  Letting your imagination run wild is a necessity and audience interaction and participation is an integral part of the show.  It truly was a delight to see the kids just jump right in, eager to be involved.

Highlights of the show for me: an onstage game of Pong (the world’s oldest computer game, and smell) followed by a more modern 3D version which involved the entire audience.  I also really liked the concept behind the castle quest World of Woolcraft (which is “like World of Warcraft but with more ram”) where the audience are instrumental in how the adventure plays out with regular “decision time” sections.  There is even an elaborate fight scene “rated S for Stupid” featuring stunt doubles.

What impressed me the most is how effortlessly Rich and Matt had the kids eating out of the palm of their hands for the entirety of the show.  They knew exactly which buttons to push to get the best reactions from the kids.  The show is incredibly boisterous, beyond entertaining and will hopefully make you ROFLSHABOWLO (Roll On The Floor Laughing So Hard A Little Bit Of Wee Comes Out).

It is the duo’s first time ever to our shores but I certainly hope it won’t be their last!  I would pick these veterans at children’s theatre any day over the likes of The Wiggles and Barney.  The Listies Do Compooters is perfect for children and adults alike, or as they like to call it, “kidults” (kids and their adults).  This is a good starting point for kids who have not experienced the theatre before and great for adults who want to embrace their inner child for an hour.

The Whimsical Banana rates The Listies Do Compooters: 5/5 bananas!

Exceedingly fun, endlessly funny and just totes brilliant!

The Listies Do Compooters is presented by TIME OUT Theatre and part of the October School Holidays Program.  Tickets are only $15 and their last show is on the 9th October – this is a fantastic show for the whole family so you don’t want to miss out!  For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

To find out more about The Listies, check out their website.

Congrats to The Boy and Monsieur Lucont!

Posted by faithashw in Comedy and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Edinburgh Festival Fringe is all done and dusted for the year and what a great one it has been for my two favorite comics!

 

Massive CONGRATS to fantastic prop comic, super talented physical comedian and all round awesome person, The Boy with Tape on his Face for winning a Broadway Baby Bobby Award and the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards Panel Prize 🙂  Include the many five-star reviews and The Tape Face Tapes (The Boy’s launch into Tellyland), it has undeniably been a #TapeFaceInvasion this year in the comedy world – and mine! – bring on the #TapeFaceRevolution, I say!

Also nabbing a comedy victory is my favorite dashing French raconteur 🙂  Huge congrats to exceptional character comic and brilliant wordsmith Marcel Lucont for winning the Amused Moose Laughter Award!  There really is no show out there like his so this is a much deserved and completely unsurprising win, in my books.  I am already so excited for the DVD – Marcel in the comfort of my own home, what could be better?!

UK readers, if you missed these two amazing, top notch comedians at the Fringe, keep an eye out as they may be coming to a town near you!  The Boy is currently on his autumn tour (details here) and Marcel is also touring around the UK (find out where here).  I cannot recommend these two enough so if they are performing where you are, two words: JUST GO!!

(Feel free to check out my reviews for More Tape and Gallic Symbol if you need more convincing 😉 )

Congrats again on all the success, Sam and Alexis, am so very happy for the both of you!  Also a big “Well Done!” shout out to Gag Reflex and Objective Talent 🙂

The Whimsical Banana’s Edinburgh Fringe Picks!

Posted by faithashw in Comedy and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the place to be for all performing arts and stand up comedy geeks like me so I am absolutely gutted that I’m not there!  But I’m all for sharing the love so here are my top recommendations for those of you who are there and still trying to decide who and what to see:

Fringe Pick #1 – The Boy With Tape On His Face

August 2nd-26th (not 14th) at the Pleasance Courtyard
A whimsical mix of mime, vaudeville and puppetry involving lots of toys, props and audience participation.  Heaps of fun, endlessly funny and just bloody brilliant!  This absolutely fantastic show is one you do not want to miss!!
Tickets are selling like hot cakes so get in quick!  Buy them HERE or check out my spoiler-free review HERE.

Fringe Pick #2 – Marcel Lucont

August 2nd-26th (not 14th) at the Underbelly, Cowgate
France’s premiere misanthropist and self-proclaimed flâneur, raconteur and bon-viveur.  Low energy but outstanding show with mostly sardonic humor and clever wordplay.
Get tickets HERE and check out what I thought HERE!

Fringe Pick #3 – Jason Byrne

August 1st-12th at EICCF
He is a comedic genius and I’m convinced is the funniest man on the planet.  Non-stop riotous laughter from start to finish; you will be gasping for breath and wiping away tears!
Get tickets HERE – don’t miss out; season almost over!

Fringe Pick #4 – Stephen K Amos

August 2nd-25th (not 13th ,14th , 20th or 21st) at The Stand
Delightful and fabulous feel-good comedy that will have you grinning from ear to ear by the end of the hour!  Great repertoire of accents and exceptional observational comedy.
Get tickets HERE!

Fringe Pick #5 – Mark Watson

August 1st-27th (not 13th or 20th) at Assembly George Square
One of my all-time favorites!  Unpretentious, very accessible and quirky brand of comedy.  A non-stop string of hilarious random stories and brilliant jokes that just flows together.
Get tickets HERE!

Fringe Pick #6 – Gordon Southern

August 1st-26th (not 8th) at the Gilded Balloon Teviot
Self-proclaimed “International World Clown” who puts a musical and funny spin to history.  Wonderfully enthusiastic, unexpectedly poetic and very clever – edutainment at its finest!
Get tickets HERE (Sportsman Bar until 11th) and HERE (Nightclub Bar from 12th).

*Not at the Fringe but a Must See! – Chris Cox

Next show: September 24th at the Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol
Engaging storyteller and absolutely amazing “mind reader who can’t read minds” that will both impress and baffle you.  Brilliant, magical and mind-boggling – you have to see to believe!
Get tickets HERE and read my review HERE.

These are just my top-most picks but I have many other favorites and there are HUNDREDS more on offer so happy choosing, attending and laughing!  I’ll just be sitting here being incredibly jealous!

For the full line-up check out the Edinburgh Festival Fringe website or the Underbelly website.

*If you want to find out more about these excellent comedians, click the pictures to be taken to their official websites!