Tag Archives: NZICF

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