Posts tagged Auckland comedy festival reviews

Last night I went to see Tarun Mohanbhai’s Joke In the Box at the Vault, Q Theatre.

This clever show sees Tarun play a comedian with a identity crisis who decides to reinvent himself.

Joke In The Box explores all the comedy clichés while ‘Ziggy’ the comedian tries to find his new style, eventually emerging as Tarun.

The show is narrated through Ziggy’s relationship with his agent Paul who only communicates with him via the phone, be it Alf or Smartphone shaped!

I have sat in the front row of many comedy gigs, and last night it meant that I got to join in the fun on stage as Ziggy tried out some magic on me.

He battles with his persona’s which include ventriloquism, interpretive dance and my personal favourite the ‘female’ comedian, he eventually emerges as Tarun, where he gives his best performance and brings out the biggest laughs of the night.

I wished I could have seen more of Tarun and less of Ziggy as I loved the idea and concept of the show, but felt he really came to life on stage as himself, where I definitely wanted to hear more.

You can see Tarun Mohanbhai at The Vault, Q Theatre until 19 May at the NZ International Comedy Festival.

I had seen ‘The Boy’ on TV but following last night’s opening night of ‘More Tape’ at Q Theatre, I realised you really do have to see him live to fully appreciate this extraordinary performer!

The show is packed with visual treats cleverly entwined into stories which are often expertly timed to accompanying music. That’s not all! Don’t think you can hide from ‘More Tape’ as this ‘Boy’ can sneak up and select his participants at any time. Even from the back row!

His ability to control his subjects shows him to be a master puppeteer of both the willing and the more reluctant participants.

This show is packed with humour and has an abundance of surprises, no more so than with its finale, but don’t worry I won’t spoil any of them here.

I have to say I wasn’t sure what I was going to think of this show, having only seen a few minutes of his act previously, but it’s just pure brilliance on every level and I can’t recommend it enough.

With a fresh audience of potential stars every night this show will always be fresh, original and unpredictable. I am certain in the hands of this muted mastermind that every show will end as this one did, with a standing ovation!

You catch The Boy With Tape On His face with his genius show More Tape at the Q Theatre until 19 May.

Bookings:093099771

I can’t believe how quickly the last two weeks have gone by and I have laughed, giggled, tittered and chuckled my way through them.

I have seen 18 shows and counting and I have even announced my very own inaugural ‘The Grid’ Comedy Award 2012, click here to see my shortlist so far. Watch this space as more will be added during the week!

I have had the chance see some of the Worlds best comedians but now its the last week of the NZ International Comedy Festival so its your last chance to get out there and get your laugh on. Here are my picks for the final week of the festival.

Kicking off this week is the international Kiwi success Boy With Tape On His Face

The boy returns to NZ with a new show More Tape which follows his sell out appearance at the festival in 2011. He has has phenomenal success of in the UK including appearances on the Royal Variety Performance in December, and the Comedy Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

So catch this new Kiwi comedy legend in a limited season of six shows at Rangatira Q Theatre 14 May - 19 May.

BOOKINGS: 093099771

My next pick is the Scottish bestselling author, playwright and award-winning stand-up Janey Godley

Her hour show will take you through some extraordinary events from personal disasters and strange-but-true happenings.

She performs at The Classic from 14 May - 19 May 8.30pm.

Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK (842 538)

Ben Hurley and Steve Wrigley have teamed up for the their first Festival show together.

The TV3 7 Days stars will deliver stand-up and unplanned banter alongside guest comedians and musicians. 

Check out this Kiwi comedy duo at Rangatria at Q Theatre 15 - 19 May from 9pm.

BOOKINGS: 093099771

Following seeing my next pick at a New Faces show in week one I can’t wait to see his full show. Guy Williams On the Verge of Nothing is a Billy Award nominee show!

This young comedian who worked his slightly geeky image well I found him to be clever and original mixing excellently delivered jokes with more random visual ones.

 I definitely wanted to see more from him and so should you,descrived as, “Tosser“ Paul Henry, Australian Woman’s Weekly how could you resist? 

Guy Williams is on at The Classic Studio 14 - 19 May. 

Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK (842 538)

For a combination of stand-up and characters then check out Tarun Mohanbhai and his show Joke in he Box.

After 10 years writing and performing the successful play, D’arranged Marriage from London to Mumbai, Vancouver to Dunedin, Tarun returns to the festival with a brand new comedy play.

Tarun plays successful comic  Ziggy who decides to reinvent himself much to the horror of his agent!

Tarun is at the Vault at Q from 15 - 19 May

Bookings: 093099771

Following the the success of his TV show Wilson Dixon - A NZ Tour, everyone’s favourite cowboy from Cripple Creek performs in SKYCITY Theatre for three very special shows.

Wilson Dixon’s shows have sold out for the last 3 years so book soon to see him play a mix of old favourites and a few new tunes in this show Wilson Dixon Greatest Hits.

You don’t want to miss his stories of his most recent travels not to mention his horse Andrew’s court appearance. 

The show is on from the 17 - 19 May at SKYCITY Theatre.

Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK (842 538)

Its the last day of the festival and what better way to send it than with this final pick.

Last Laughs on Sunday 20 May at SKYCITY Theatre will bring together all the best of the festival during a 2 hour showcase.

Hosted by Festival favourite Te Radar and featuring performances by the winner of the 2012 Raw Comedy Quest, nominees for the Billy T & Fred Awards this show will bring you  comedy excellence at all levels of the industry.  The Billy T & Fred Awards will be judged on the night so you can be there to see who takes out these top prizes!

Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK (842 538)

I hope these weekly picks have helped decide which shows to see, its going to seem like an empty place when the festival is over to remember to keep live comedy alive and support your local comedy clubs and comedy nights.

Looking forward to 2013 already!