TDB – 2017 NZ International Comedy Festival Picks – the perfect dozen

It’s that time of year again, and the incredible range of comedy talent on display is proof of just how far the NZ comedy scene has grown and developed. There’s just so much to choose from, getting a dozen picks is incredibly difficult, but here are the 12 acts TDB thinks you need to see this season…

5 Star Comedy Preview 2017 // Wed 26 Apr // 8pm // SKYCITY Theatre

There are always a bunch of preview shows that are on offer, the 5 Star Comedy Festival is one of the best, this year Brits Hal Cruttenden, Ed Gamble, Lou Sanders and Adam Hess; Iain Stirling (Scot), Abandoman (Ire); and we welcome back Ismo Leikola (Finland), Chris Martin, Jimmy McGhie and Markus Birdman (UK). Always go to this.

Basement Theatre Preview Show // Wed 26 Apr // 8pm // Basement Theatre

If you can’t get to the 5 Star Comedy Preview, then make sure you get to this Basement Theatre event instead. A more alternative night of joys with Guy Montgomery, Nic Sampson and Frickin Dangerous Bro as well as fresh faces; Inosi Colavanua, Lana Walters and James Mustapic.

Flick Electric Co. Comedy Gala // Thu 27 Apr // 8pm // ASB Theatre

​It’s the Gala, it’s rude not to go to it and this year look at the line up,  Ed Byrne, Australian sketch phenomena Aunty Donna, Edinburgh Fringe’s Best Musical Act the Irish sensation Abandoman, Chortle’s Best Comic winner Zoe Lyons. Good date night date.

The Classic Preview Show // Fri 28 Apr // 7pm & 10pm // The Classic

The Classic is the home of Comedy in Auckland and their preview nights are the best, it’s as simple as that. Look at the line up, Hal Cruttenden, Abandoman, Rich Wilson, Markus Birdman, Ismo Leikola, Chris Martin, Jimmy McGhie, Ed Gamble, Lou Sanders, Iain Stirling, Adam Hess, and locals, Angella Dravid, James Keating and Rhys Mathewson.

Brynley Stent // Tue 2 – Sat 6 May // 7.15pm // Cellar @ Q

Stent’s character Providence Gratitude is from Gloriavale and decides to go to Auckland – just sounds too funny to ignore.

David Correos // Wed 3 – Sat 6 May // 10pm // Vault @ Q

He’s a force of nature, you just have to see this show.

Stand-Up for Kids // Sat 6 & Sat 13 May // 3pm // Loft @ Q

It’s lovely to take the kids to the comedyfest and some of the shows in the past have turned into the unintentionally funniest shows. Comedians and children mixing is a lot of fun.

Snort // Fri 28 Apr, Fri 5, Fri 12 & Fri 19 May // 11.30pm // Basement Theatre

This is the best late night hip talent Auckland has on display, you must catch their show if you are going to Comedyfest this year.

Rose Matafeo // Fri 28 – Sat 29 Apr, Tue 2 – Sat 6 May // 7pm // Basement Theatre

She’s NZs funniest comedian. You have to go and see her, she’s the Queen.

Zoe Lyons // Tue 2 – Sat 6 May // 8.45 // Loft @ Q

Huge hype about Zoe, really interested in seeing her live.

Guy Montgomery // Tue 9 – Sat 13 May // 7pm // Basement Theatre

Fuck he’s funny. Too talented for Auckland, not quite enough talented for Sydney, catch him before he gets picked up overseas.

Troy Kinne // Wed 10 – Sat 13 May // 10pm // Loft @ Q

Kinne’s TV show is one of the best comedy series to come out of Australia for a very long time, the chance to see him live should not be missed, Comedy Fest highlight this year.