Posts tagged Ingrid Grenar

Last night a packed Comedy Chamber witnessed the last but one of The Axis of Awesome’s show in Auckland.

I have heard and read a lot about this comedy rock trio during the first week of the festival but have avoided youtubing so as not to spoil the surprise, and I knew enough to know they sounded rocking.

My expectations were met, and some as they were, well awesome.

The group came on to the stage apologising for the lack of pyrotechnics, lights and animatronic dinosaurs and began thier hour set of comedic songs and clever musical comedy.

They are phenomenal musicians and applause comes as much for their musical prowess as their comedy.  Their banter is sharp, sometimes within songs and  sometimes in between, but always hilarious. Their keyboardist takes the brunt of the on stage ribbing due to him being a little shorter than the others.

The show makes fun of all our favourite pop and rock clichés expertly imitating styles and well known songs.

Probably their most famous song is the Youtube hit ‘4 Chords’ which gets a huge reaction from the crowd.

This show was great fun and they are definitely at the top of their game in this genre of entertainment, it’s no surprise they have had such huge worldwide success.

I would happily have watched the whole show again so it’s a good thing you can buy a CD after the show, something to play in the car on the way home ;).

The Axis Of Awesome play their final show Sat 5 May!

Wow what an amazing first week it’s been! It’s already time to look ahead to week two!

The NZ International Comedy Festival kicked off on Friday 27 April with the monster that is the Comedy Gala. 

It as great to see this aired on TV so we all got a taste of the great acts we could see this year at the festival.

I have been busy watching and reviewing shows so have a look around my blog to see my reviews from the last week.

The live stuff is big this week so lets get started!

My first pick has to be Rhys Darby with his show This Way to Spaceship at SKYCITY Theatre from Tuesday 8 May until Saturday 12 May at 8pm With Support Act Steve Hughes.

If the world is ending this year Rhys Darby has a plan. He’s fairly sure the superpowers each have a spaceship ready to launch on the eve of Armageddon. The trick is… to get onboard!

This new stand-up show accompanies the release of Rhys’ first novel, This Way to Spaceship, a handy autobiographical end of world companion. 

There’s more as Rhys Darby will appear in conversation talking about his new book This Way To Spaceship with Tim Wilson on Sat 12 May as part of the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival.  www.writersfestival.co.nz

It’s definitely time to jump onboard! Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK (842 538)

Chris Martin No. Not That One promises us some laughs through this hour show with the plus of no songs and no Gwyneth Paltrow!

You can catch this UK comedian at The Basement Studio, Auckland 8 - 12 May

Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK (842 538)

My next pick is a UK comedian Milton Jones whose show has come to The Classic for the Festival and continues this week untilo 12 May 7pm.

The show is sure to be a cleaver and surreal journey from the current Chortle website ‘Headliner of the Year’.

He is a regular on UK panel shows and the king of surreal one liners so check out this hour of inventive comedy this week. 

Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK (842 538)

Another UK comedian who I believe is going to add variety to your comedy itinerary is Anil Desai who gives you Anil Desai’s Night At The Movies

Anil returns to New Zealand with a brand new show, which through his amazing impersonations, will feature many big Hollywood stars as well as movie trailers and clever slick stand up.

He will be performing at Loft at Q 305 Queen Street from 8 May - 12 May at 7.15pm

BOOKiNGS: 093099771

More from the UK with Terry Alderton show You’ll Be Glad to See the Back of Him who is joining us in NZ  following his sell out 2012 tour in the UK and after being voted the #1 comedian by The Sun in 2011.

He was a favourite at the NZ Comedy Festivals 2010 & 2011 so book early!

Terry is performing at the Q Theatre from 7 – 12 May

BOOKINGS: 093099771

My final recommendation for the week is one for all the Family and one where you don’t need to worry about getting a baby sitter in as Mr Boon will entertain you all.

Mr Boon’s Fairy Tales is a show that is suitable for all ages, but ideal for ages four and up.

Join Mr. Boon and his usual gang of characters as he takes you on a journey through the magical world of fairy tales. Princesses, wicked witches, princes, bean-stalks, magical potions, audience participation, cream pies and ukuleles - it’s all there.

You can see Mr Boon at Loft at Q 305 Queen Street from 5 May,12 May and 19 May at 11 am.

BOOKiNGS: 093099771

As I said last week there is just so much to see over this amazing festival so I am only able to make a selection of my personal choice if you want the full line up please go to the NZ International Comedy Festival Website.