Tag Archives: Comedy Festival

NZICF 2013: Dr Brown, Brown, Brown, Brown, Brown & His Singing Tiger – Comedy For Kids

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

Dr Brown & His Singing Tiger

Dr Brown, Brown, Brown, Brown, Brown and his Singing Tiger is a madcap physical comedy tailored especially for kids but can quite easily be enjoyed by adults too.  This almost-hour long show is narrated by a ukulele-playing dancing tiger who takes us in to the silly and absurd world of Dr Brown.

After making his appearance on stage in the most comical way possible, it quickly becomes apparent that the goggle-wearing Dr Brown does not speak and so it is up to the Singing Tiger (played wonderfully by Stuart Bowden) to steer Dr Brown – and the audience – in the right direction.  The task at hand?  Get Dr Brown from breakfast to bedtime.

This highly interactive and action-packed show is full of funny gags, silly antics and good old slapstick.  It has everything kids enjoy and love to laugh at like flying spoons, funny faces and eating “poo”.  Phil Burgers, the man behind Dr Brown easily forges a connection with the kids; he knows exactly what buttons to push to spark a positive reaction and response from them.

Dr Brown, Brown, Brown, Brown, Brown and his Singing Tiger is a fun adventure and delightful treat for the whole family.  This comedic duo are accomplished entertainers so parents don’t be surprised if you find yourself laughing along too but more importantly, be prepared to let your kids partake in the fun! (Someone’s got to help Dr Brown put on his boots.)

The Whimsical Banana rates Dr Brown and his Singing Tiger: 4/5 bananas!

Dr Brown, Brown, Brown, Brown, Brown and his Singing Tiger is at the Herald Theatre at 9:30am and 11:30am  until Sunday May 5th.  Click here for tickets.

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.